T 




Class R S3..5^ 
Copyright N".-/3i3_^ 



COE^RIGHT DEPOSm 




W. C. POPE 



LEISURE MOMENTS 



A Collection of 

Short Writings on Various Subjects 

presented in 

Prose and Rhyme 



BY 

W. C. POPE 

Pastor of the Providence Baptist Church 
lumberton, n. c. 



raleigh, n. c. 

Edwards & Broughton Printing Company 

1919 



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SiiJPVHiaiiT OFFICE 



DEC22j9I9 <*^ 



To the memory of my faithful parents, Mr, 
and Mrs. Owen Pope, of Lumherton, N. C, 
and Prof. David P. Allen, a former resident of 
the above-named city, who now sleeps; whose 
hind attentions have had so much to do with 
m,ahing all that is worth while in me, this 
work is respectfully and lovingly dedicated, 

— The Author, 



'.'GBT 



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r POTS 



FOR MORNING MEDITATION 

During this day I desire to he: 

Mindful of my Creator, 

Calm in disposition, 

Thoughtful in speech. 

Unselfish in purpose ; 

Duly considerate of the rights of others. 

Penitent toward my own faults. 

Patient toward the faults of others, 

Injurious to none. 

Serviceable t'o all. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

In order to encourage tlie author in the effort' to publisli 
this work, the following named persons gave advanced cash 
subscriptions : 

Rev. J. i). Harrell, Pierce Powell, D. C. Moore, Lumberton, 
]^. C. ; R. Bradshaw, Edward Faulk, Leo Lewis, Garfield Par- 
ker, June Gardner, Fairmont, I^. C. ; Miss M. S. Williams, 402 
S. George St., Goldsboro, N". C; A. E. Moore, Elkton, IST. C; 
Mrs. Lessie Spaulding, 160 W. 142d St., I^ew York City; H. I. 
Spaulding, R. 4, C. R. Moore, R 4, Clarkton, ^. C. ; Prof. J. C. 
Raggett, Elizabethtown, I^. C. 

The following named gave financial assistance: 

J. W. Cobb, Albert McKee, W. O. Geralds, Lumberton, JST. 
C. ; Murphy Jacobs, Mrs. Mae Jacobs, Mrs. Victoria Graham, 
Mrs. Leo Lewis, Mrs. J. C. Inman, Mrs. Delia Williams, John 
Bradley, Miss Georgia Floyd, Junius Graham, Miss Princess 
Floyd, Samuel Graham, Mr. McKinley, Bud Mack, Cleveland 
Easterling, Miss Esther Harvey, Miss Minnie Mesane, Miss Ada 
Stackhouse, Irving Sessoms, Daniel Inman, John Little, Jack 
Powell, John McNeill, Miss Cora Smith, Daniel McNeill, Miss 
Cora Benjamin, Fairmont, N. C. ; Mrs. Amelia Moore, Elkton, 
N. C. ; Mrs. Etta White, R. 4, Clarkton, N. C. 



PREFACE 

In addition to the regular line of study to wliicli a minister 
is confined in the preparation and delivery of sermons, there 
are other lines, touching subjects and objects of everyday life, 
to which the mind must of necessity occasionally divert. 

This work has been entitled "Leisure Moments" because its 
contents consist largely of productions from thoughts which 
have occupied the mind of the author during these occasional 
periods. 

Although the thoughts are varied in character and in manner 
of presentation — some being expressed in rhyme and some in 
prose — they are none the less true to life; it having been the 
object of the writer to leave out anything that was merely fic- 
titious or contained nothing that was true. 

The author believes that the true social center of the race is 
the church, and that any development which does not begin and 
end therein is not substantial. 

The twofold design of the work, therefore, is to engage the 
attention of the readers to some minor, and yet weighty, points 
in church life which can, and should be, improved upon; and 
to encourage some of the many bright-minded young people now 
in the schools to give early attention to the development of their 
individual powers of imagination and expression, so that in 
years to come they may surpass the writer of this book in the 
attempt to become authors. 

If any should wonder at the varied thoughts herein presented, 
let such remember that — 

A minister, like other men. 

Moves outside the pulpit, as well as in; 

He mingles with people on highways and streets, 

And talks of conditions with such as he meets; 

Memories of facts which in childhood were true, 

Linger with him as they do with you; 

And when he in some lonely byway must walk — 

Where he meets no person with whom he may talk. 

He resorts to the realm of imagination ; 

For there he may talk with all creation. 

W. C. P. 

LUMBEETON, 'N. C. 



CONTENTS 

Pages 

Religious Worship 9-14 

Nonpunctuality 

Our Inclination to Be Disorderly- 
Faulty Methods of Giving 

A Short Exposition of Scripture on the Prerequisite to 

Baptism 15-20 

A Letter of Friendly Criticism 

An answer 

"Honest Abram" Wakes Up 20-31 

A Dialogue in Three Scenes 

Poems on Sacred and Other Subjects 32-92 

Seven Poems Suitable for Hymns 93-99 



RELIGIOUS WORSHIP 

It is now only about fifty years since colored people in the 
South began to conduct religious meetings without fear of moles- 
tation. Starting out as we did, with no knowledge of the Bible, 
and with no trained leaders to direct us, we were forced to 
depend largely upon emotion for guidance in matters pertaining 
to our religious development. As these emotions were often 
nothing more than mere physical sensations, they were, of 
course, dangerously misleading; thus, in our progress, we have 
naturally been misled on a number of points of more or less im- 
portance, and some customs have been established which are 
detrimental to our future progress, and which, under present- 
day advantages, should be improved upon or entirely eliminated. 

It is true, however, that there are many facts and features 
connected with the birth and growth of our religious activities 
which call forth the admiration and respect of the most severe 
of our critics. Of this we are well aware, and I trust truly 
grateful both to God and to those of his servants who, having 
advantages over us, thought it good to visit our places of worship 
occasionally and point out to us the way of life. 

But while we are aware of all that is best, we must also observe 
with care that which is injurious to our religious interests, else 
we would prove ourselves unworthy of the good that has come 
to us. It is, therefore, my purpose in this short chapter to call 
attention to some conditions now prevalent among us, which to 
my mind should claim the serious consideration of all leaders 
and teachers of our people with the view to improvement. 

NON-PUNCTUALITY 

First, our people, as a whole, have a very poor regard for 
time. We have never learned that our first duty to a religious 
gathering is to be at the appointed place at the appointed time. 
Perhaps ninety per cent of our people are in the habit of enter- 
ing church anywhere from fifteen to forty-five minutes late, 
while five per cent enter earlier and the remaining five per cent 
enter even later. This is the case where services are continued 



10 Leisure Moments 

during a period of one to one and one-half hours. Where meet- 
ings are continued longer it is even worse. 

The habit of being late at church is a spiritual disease, the 
cure for which should be sought with as much earnestness as 
was manifested by JSTaaman, when he sought a cure for his body. 
There are many otherwise good people who never get the open- 
ing benefits of a meeting. There is a kind of satisfaction in 
being present at the opening of a properly conducted meeting 
that can never be realized by persons who always enter late. 

I once heard a brother remark as follows : "Some people say 
God will not bless you if you are behind time, but," said he, 
"I do not agree with that statement ; God is an intelligent being 
and if you are not right at the place on time, he knows where 
you are and will bless you just the same." 

J^bw it is true that God is an intelligent being and that he 
knows where we are, but that does not justify us in being late 
when we can do better. The Lord does not compel us to name 
the hour of meeting ; but when we have named it, he does expect 
us to meet it. (Ecc. 5:4.) One thing is certain, God is never 
behind with any of his engagements ; therefore, when we are on 
time we are with Him. Of course, there are times when one 
cannot avoid being late, but it is remarkable how seldom these 
times will occur with persons who desire and really plan to be 
on time. 

There are other requirements about a religious assembly which 
are harder, yea, much harder, to meet than that of being on 
time. For instance, after getting to the place of meeting every 
one is responsible to make proper use of the opportunities 
offered ; pay earnest heed to instructions given ; submit to the 
teachings of the Spirit; carry away in the heart and mind the 
truths expounded, so as to be able to apply them to daily life. 
In my opinion, to perform any one of these duties requires 
deeper earnestness than that necessary to be on time. JN^ow, if 
we are not enough in earnest to do that which is less, could we 
be expected to do that which is greater? In other words, can 
we be expected to do well our duty after getting to church when 
we are not enough in earnest to be on time ? 

Dear reader, imagine yourself on the way to church — push- 
ing to be on time ; on arriving, three or four minutes ahead of 
the hour, you find a score or more inside and seated; a like 



Leisure Moments 11 

number on the yard and passing in at the same time with your- 
self ; and a similar number near by, coming from different direc- 
tions, all pushing to get in on time. Do you not believe the 
spirit of a meeting made up of persons with such earnestness 
would be far better than that manifested by the slow, careless 
manner in Avhich we so often gather ? 

Get the people of your community to try the BE-OIN'-TIME 
plan just once and I predict the very first song in the opening 
service will be running over with joy, the sermon will be better, 
and the people will find that the meeting place is a heavenly 
place. 

OUR INCLINATION TO BE DISORDERLY 

Another undesirable feature of our religious worship is a 
tendency on the part of some to be disorderly. Ability to keep 
oneself under proper control in public is an enviable disposition 
and one that is yet to be attained by most of us. Let me say 
just here, what I shall say on this subject will not apply alike 
to all our congregations, for I am glad to say that in some of 
our gatherings splendid, and in some others almost perfect, order 
prevails. But the number of such congregations is by far too 
small. Again, it may be said to our credit ( ?) that the disorder 
most prevalent in our meetings does not come from persons who 
really mean to be disorderly, but it is rather thoughtless conduct 
on the part of persons supposed to be promoters of the best inter- 
ests of the meetings. 

It should be remembered that the attention of an individual 
is very easily diverted from the main issue during the hour of 
worship, and for that reason every one should be determined to 
see to it that nothing is done to create even the slightest dis- 
turbance if it is possible to avoid it. 

It is astonishing to notice how careless some people are right 
at this point. 

Sometimes a mother will take a bunch of keys, a tin cup, a 
toy hatchet or some other noise box for the baby to play with 
during the hour for worship. The baby, of course, does not know 
any better than to make all the noise it can, beating on the pew 
and dropping the toy on the floor a half-dozen times, which, of 
course, disturbs every person in the house. 



12 Leisure Moments 

There are some other good women who take pleasure in teasing 
their own or some one else's baby during the worship hour, 
talking and laughing with it in a way that attracts the atten- 
tion of all who are seated near by. Such conduct, though not 
intentional, creates a very serious disorder in the congregation. 

And then there are some men — good-meaning men — who 
think nothing of walking back and forth in the aisles, crossing 
in front of the pulpit, motioning orders with their heads and 
hands and sometimes even speaking out while the Scriptures 
are being read or the sermon is being delivered. 

Sometimes a sexton actually drowns the words of the preacher, 
rattling away at a heater while some vital point in the discourse 
is being pressed. 

Often persons who enter late pass right on up to the front 
and stand for a minute, while two or three others must exchange 
seats and words in making room for the late-comer, who should 
have found a seat nearer the rear. 

In many cases a number of persons will walk out of the build- 
ing while the Doxology is being sung, and apparently for no 
other purpose than to stand at the door until the benediction 
has been pronounced and the congregation dismissed. 

While such conduct is almost unknown in some congregations, 
it is true that it prevails to a very large extent in many others. 
I am sure, however, that such conditions can be quickly im- 
proved with the proper effort on the part of all concerned. 

If there is any place that should be looked upon with rever- 
ence it is the place that has been dedicated to the worship of 
God. All who go there should feel themselves under obligation 
to treat themselves and others as well with the greatest measure 
of respect, endeavoring to attract no attention only such as is 
prompted by the Holy Spirit. 

Let us hope that in the very near future we may see marked 
evidence of the much-needed improvement along this line of 
order. 

FAULTY METHODS OF GIVING 

The last of these features to which I shall refer in this chap- 
ter is some of our methods of contributing to the Lord's cause. 
Although this is mentioned last, it should by no means be re- 
garded least among the points that should claim our attention 
in the present stage of our development. 



Leisure Moments 13 

Too often this part of our worship is regarded as secular, 
and as demanding little or none of the sacred bearing generally 
accorded the singing, praying, and preaching features of the 
hour. This idea, false as it is, sometimes prevails to such an 
extent that a large number of the members of some congrega- 
tions feel at liberty to talk at Avill, in some cases even grouping 
themselves together for conversation while the oifering is being 
taken. This should never be. 

Offerings of our substance to God should be presented in faith 
and with as much solemnity as a devout Christian heart can 
engage. It was evidently these elements of faith and solemnity 
that distinguished Abel's offering from Cain's. The Scriptures 
teach that "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." 

When I speak of solemnity I do not mean that we should try 
to appear long-faced, for this is not solemnity. There is a 
difference between a sad appearance and heartfelt interest. The 
Bible teaches that we should present our offerings with willing- 
ness of heart, willingness of mind, and in a cheerful spirit. In 
other words, we should seek the honest approval of the very 
best that is in us when we are going to give to the Lord, thus 
putting our very selves in the offering. (2 Cor. 8:5.) We 
should be concerned, also, to know that what we give is accepted 
by the Lord. Kings and noblemen would not be expected to 
accept gifts from their enemies; neither will the Lord accept 
gifts from those who are not on good terms with Him. 

When these questions are carefully considered one may find 
as much real joy in giving as in any other feature of religious 
worship, and thus realize the meaning of that Scripture which 
says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

To give only because some one begs or because we think well 
of the person Avho may be lifting the collection, because some 
one sings to suit us or because we want to be along with some 
one else who gives, is not acceptable. These are mere circum- 
stances which may be good as far as they go, yet it is possible 
to contribute from these motives without ever consulting the 
deeper emotions of the soul or the will of God in the matter. It 
is possible, therefore, that much of our giving has little or no 
soul in it. And, because there is no soul, there is no God in it. 
Then is there any more room for double-mindedness in this part 



14 Leisure Moments 

of worship than there is in any other? Is there not as much 
danger of sacrilege here as elsewhere in the service? Then let 
us seek a change. 

I believe some money, with the Divine smile on it, is more 
valuable to both giver and receiver than more money with no 
Grod in it. 

The subjects touched in this chapter are considered small 
when thrown in with the weightier questions that concern us 
in the course of life, and yet they deal heavily with us in the 
formation of Christian character. 

It is the little foxes that spoil the vines. A very small worm, 
if left alone, may destroy the usefulness and, eventually, the 
life of a great tree. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" ; 
so a little error, if allowed to go unchecked, will seriously affect 
all that is good and may finally spoil it entirely. 

If anything has been said that will cause some people of any 
community to make improvement, then the fulfillment of the 
purpose of this effort will have been begun. 



A SHORT EXPOSITION OF SCRIPTURE ON THE 
PREREQUISITE OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM 

The following letters are taken from correspondence between 
a brother minister, whom I have styled as "Reverend Q." and 
myself, and are real. 

The letter by Rev. Q. is a friendly criticism of my manner of 
"examining" an applicant for membership in the church, and 
my answer is an effort on my part to give some Bible reasons 
for the course I pursued. 

I publish them with Rev. Q.'s consent, with the hope that 
those who read them may find something helpful. 



K C, October 6, 1913. 

Rev. W. C. Pope, 

Lumberton, N. C. 

Dear Brother: — I w^rite to say to you that, by asking such 
leading questions Sunday you caused that little child to be 
brought before the church and made welcome to baptism, and 
now she says that she has nothing and that she only went up 
for prayer. 

You see, Brother Pope, you asked such leading questions till 
all the child had to do was to say yes. It is a dangerous thing 
to admit little children to the church to take the Lord's Supper, 
and our people that know better are talking about it. 

It is no harm. Brother Pope, to be particular. It is true that 
Jesus said in St. Mark, 10 :14, suffer little children to come 
unto me, and forbid them not, but he did not mean the church ; 
he meant heaven. This is a strong point against receiving chil- 
dren when they are too small. 

I say, let applicants tell their experience themselves, and you 
ask them nothing until you come to the church rules, then ask 
them about these, for they must comply with them. 

You may not like to be called in question about matters like 
this, but it is no harm to listen sometimes. So read this and 
think some. 

Yours truly, Rev. Q. 



16 Leisure Moments 

Rev. Q. Lumberton, JST. C, October 11, 1913. 

...' ,N.C. 

Dear Brother : — Your letter of criticism as to my manner of 

examining an applicant for membership in the church at 

last Sunday to hand. Let me say to you, sir, in reply, I have 
a very high regard for your advice, knowing as I do your long 
experience in the ministry, and I always stand ready to profit 
by your suggestions whenever I can. 

I am sure you wdll admit, however, that there are no two 
minds exactly alike, and that no two men, therefore, will see any 
one point precisely alike in all its details. 

ISTow, sir, as to that examination Sunday, you charge me with 
"asking leading questions" and "causing the child to be made 
welcome to baptism." J^Tow, Rev. Q., let us leave off our feelings 
and opinions and get right down to the teachings of the J^ew 
Testament on the subject. 

In the first place, I had spoken from Acts 2 :47, and in the 
discourse I had emphasized, among other thoughts, the fact that 
the Lord, and not men, adds to the church. This child, evi- 
dently attracted by something in the argument, was moved to 
action; and when, after a touching prayer offered by yourself, 
I stood and announced that the doors of the church were open, 
she presented herself, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, 
calmly answered the following questions : 

1 — Have you come to join the church? 

Answer — "Yes, sir." 

2 — What class of people should belong to the church? 

Answer — "Christian people." 

3 — Are you a Christian? 

Answer — "Yes, sir." 

4 — What do people have to do to become Christians? 

Answer — "They have to believe on Jesus Christ." 

5 — Do you believe on Jesus Christ as your Saviour? 

Answer — "Yes, sir." 

6 — How long do you expect to continue in the church if you 
are admitted? 

Answer — "As long as I live." 



Leisure Moments 17 

7 — Do you promise to be governed by the regulations of tbe 
cburcb, if admitted? 

Answer — "Yes, sir." 

I then asked her if she knew her age. She said she did not ; 
w^hereupon her guardian, being present^ said she was ten years 
old. 

I then asked her, by request, why she wanted to join the Bap- 
tist church, and she said she did not know. 

I then, having questioned her openly before the audience, 
asked for the pleasure of the church, at which time you, as you 
will recall, arose and stated in effect that in your opinion the 
failure of the child to tell why she wanted to join the Baptist 
church virtually disqualified her as an applicant for member- 
ship. At the conclusion of your remarks I again asked for the 
pleasure of the church, and some one offered a motion for recep- 
tion, which was carried without a single dissenting vote. And 
now you say, sir, that I caused her to be received for baptism. 

As I see it, I am not the cause, but the church, being favorably 
impressed by her presentation and the circumstances attending 
it, acted upon its own judgment in the matter. 

You inform me that she has now stated that she only pre- 
sented herself for prayer ; but you see. Rev. Q., I stated clearly 
that the doors of the church stood open for reception of members, 
and her answer to the questions I asked showed that she had a 
clear knowledge of the fact that none but Christians should 
belong to the church. If she stated that she was a Christian, 
knowing at the same time she was not, then she is responsible 
and not I. 

I understand you to mean, sir, that I did not make the exami- 
nation hard enough. Then what would you say of Philip ? He 
found the eunuch blindly striving to find the way, preached to 
the ignorant inquirer salvation through faith in Jesus, and 
taught him the necessity of baptism as an act of obedience to 
him ; v/hereupon the eunuch wanted to be baptized immediately. 
N^otice Philip's examination — ''If thou helievest with all thine 
heart, thou inayest." The eunuch answered, "I believe that 
Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Upon that testimony Philip 
baptized him. (Acts 8 :31-38.) 



18 Leisure Moments 

Or, what would you say of Peter, who ba^Dtized Cornelius and 
"his kinsmen and near friends" (Acts 10:24), without examin- 
ing them at all, after our manner. He only saw them rejoicing 
in the Holy Ghost and praising God after he had preached to 
them, and for that commanded that they be baptized. (Acts 
10:46-48.) 

Again, what would you say of Paul, who, when the jailer, 
under excitement of the earthquake and open prison, fearing 
for his life, fell down and said, "What must I do ?" simply taught 
the trembling officer to ''Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ," and 
then after "teaching him and his house the words of the Lord" — 
teaching, mark you, not examining — he baptized them the same 
hour. (Acts 16:30-33.) In fact. Rev. Q., when we study the 
IsTew Testament we will see that the apostles baptized their 
applicants after teaching them, rather than after examining 
them. 

Our commission, you remember, makes it binding upon us to 
"teach (make disciples of) all nations," then baptize; nothing is 
said about examining. (Matt. 28:19.) "Preach the gospel to 
every creature," and baptize those who believe. (Mark 16: 
15, 16.) 

Of course, we want to know whether they believe or not, and 
when sufficient signs of their faith are not otherwise evidenced, 
we must examine them ; but what I mean to show is that in the 
New Testament the teaching is emphasized rather than the ex- 
amining. 

I am persuaded, sir, that we have deviated from the apostolic 
method of carrying out some of the provisions of the great com- 
mission, in that we have drifted into the hahit of requiring too 
m,uch at conversion and giving too little instruction in the ivay 
of life and doctrine after conversion. 

I agree with you that it is well to be careful ; but to my mind 
our greatest care should be to preach Christ as an all-sufficient 
Saviour, exactly suited to the needs of fallen humanity, and 
teach our hearers how to accept and follow him. 

With all our care, we can hardly hope to have in the visible 
church an entirely regenerate membership. It is true that such 
a membership is the state to which God is leading his church, 
and we should at all times, under direction of the inspired Word 



Leisure Moments 19 

and the Holy Spirit, work to that end, only we should not become 
over-zealous or extreme in our efforts. Some one has said if we 
lean too far from one evil we may lean too near to another, and 
I think it is a true saying. If we were to succeed in making our 
examinations rigid enough to save us from the mistake of admit- 
ting an unworthy person into the church occasionally, I fear we 
should, in the effort, expose ourselves to the danger of making 
the more serious mistake of shutting the door in the faces of 
some whom the Lord had accepted. (Acts 10 :15.) 

John refused to baptize the Pharisees and Saducees because 
they had accepted no teaching and showed no desire to amend 
their lives. They evidently came in their self-righteousness, 
demanding baptism and all else that was considered good, be- 
cause they were the natural seed of Abraham and not because 
they felt any sense of guilt or any need of help into the kingdom 
of heaven, to which they counted themselves the only rightful 
heirs. 

Seeing this, John informed them that they must bring forth 
fruit suitable to amendment of life. (Matt. 3:7-9.) Others 
had come confessing their sins (Matt. 3 :5, 6), and it would have 
been an open violation to have received this "generation of 
vipers" who had not been "warned." 

Where this and kindred spirits are in evidence we should not 
hesitate to refuse admittance; but where there is a sign of 
humble penitence and a knowledge of Christ as a personal 
Saviour, together with a will to acknowledge and follow him, 
we will do well to carry out the instructions given us in our 
commission, and follow the example of the Apostles. 

If, however, we should find at any time that we have been 
misled and admitted to membership in the church any who, by 
constant tendency of life and conduct, show that they have not 
given themselves to the Lord, we may correct our mistakes by 
following the course laid down in the Scriptures. (2 Thes. 3 :6 ; 
Matt. 18:15-17.) 

Hoping that this letter may contain something that will at 
least convince you that I am trying to follow the teachings of 
the Holy Scriptures in my method of dealing with those who 
present themselves for admission into the visible church, and 



20 Leisure Moments 

that eacli of us may, by means of prayerful study of tlie "Word 
and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, learn more of the 
will of him who has sent us, I desire to remain, 

Yours for his service, W. C. Pope. 



"HONEST ABRAM" WAKES UP 

Abram l^ewcomer, a man of splendid qualities but of limited 
advantages, plans to move his family from Flat Swamp Town- 
ship, his native community, over into Bright Light Township. 
He thinks well of the people of his present home, but is not 
exactly satisfied with their nonprogressive spirit. The farming 
methods are not good, school facilities are poor, and there is no 
enterprise among the people, and while Abram does not think 
himself able to begin a reform among his neighbors he really 
wants better environments for his family, so he quickly decides 
to get out and settle among a more enterprising people. 

There is one thing, however, which Abram and his Avife regret 
to leave, and that is the old High Level Baptist Church. This 
spot had been the center for most of their highest ambitions. In 
youth, it had been their chief pleasure resort; in maturer life, 
it had been the common ground on which the people of the com- 
munity had met to express their joys and sorrows. In this quaint 
old building they had spent many hours listening to what they 
had always considered "lively sermons" from their lifelong 
preacher, the Rev. Jeremiah Gabriel. They are almost certain 
there is not another church anywhere favored with such a power- 
ful preacher and capable of such far-reaching influence and 
peculiar usefulness. Thought of all this brings to their minds 
a seriousness hard to conceal, and puts upon their faces an ex- 
pression which tells better than words of what pain the de- 
parture must bring to their honest hearts. 

JSTotwithstanding these facts, the duty to seek better surround- 
ings for themselves and their children weigh most heavily upon 
them ; so they resolve to go. 



Leisure Moments 21 

After a short int'enval, Abram and his family have completed 
all arrangements and are now settled in their new home, sur- 
rounded by new neighbors ; their children are attending school 
among new associates; all are in easy reach of another church 
where they go on Sundays and listen to sermons delivered by 
another preacher. 

They are in an entirely new atmosphere ; and while the people 
among whom they must mingle are as kind and affable as can 
be, yet their manner of speech, their way of approaching each 
other, and a score of other little items all go to make them seem 
so strange to the Newcomers till they often feel quite uncom- 
fortable among them. 

The following dialogue between Abram N'ewcomer and a 
deacon of the Baptist church in the community explains the 
XDrocess by which the strained conditions were worked out. 

Characters : 

Abram ISTewcomer — a middle-aged man. 

Mrs. J^^ewcomer — ^his wife. 

Herman Newcomer — a boy of nine years. 

Several other children to make up the Newcomer family. 

Matthew Wiseman — a deacon of the Baptist church. 

Mrs. Wiseman. 

Scene: The Newcomer family all at home after supper, 
seated and talking about the funny ways of their new neighbors. 

Abram (seated, with hat on) : Malindy, I tell you, these folks 
certainly make me tired. I can hardly put up with their ways. 
I never was used to so much putting-on. Now there's the school 
teacher — I forget now what they say his name is; I notice 
everybody calls him "Professor," and what for I can't under- 
stand. I know the last teacher we had in Flat Swamp Township 
was as good as any of them, and we always called him by his 
name. In fact, if a man is too good to answer to his own name, 
what's the use to have it ? 

Mrs. Newcomer: Why, Abram, you don't know. You ought 
to be in my place a while. I hardly know when or how to open 
my mouth among these people. Almost everything is called 
by some new name, and if I call anything like I've been used 
to calling it they open their mouths and stare at me just as if I 



22 Leisure Moments 

had dropped a basket of eggs. Just tlie other day a woman took 
me up for calling my own child's name — He-lun. She said, 
"Your girFs name must be Helen/' 

Abram : And what did you say ? 

Mrs. N. : I didn't say a living thing. I thought if I couldn't 
call my own child right, I'd just hush. 

Abram : Well, I like the way things go here all right, but so 
much style always made my head ache. [Some one knocks at 
the door.] 

Abram (softly) : Hush! who's that? 

Mrs. 'N. (softly): That's some of these people now; that's 
the way they do : stop at your door and knock a little gig on it 
before they come in. [Some one knocks again.] 

Mrs. 'N. (softly) : Abram, you'd as well say something. They 
wouldn't come in without it if the door stood open. 

Abram (loudly) : What is it? 

Voice at door : Why, we've just come to make a short call. 
Any bother ? 

Abram (loudly) : What you say? 

Voice : We've just come to sit and talk with you a while, if 
our presence is no hindrance to you. 

Abram : All right. Come right on in. 

(Enter Deacon and Mrs. Wiseman. Abram, with hat on, 
rises and shakes their hands, and all exchange greetings; Mrs. 
N. keeping her seat.) 

Deacon Wiseman (moving slightly toward Mrs. ISTewcomer) : 
Brother Newcomer, is this your wife? 

Abram (taking his seat) : Yes, that's her. 

Deacon and Mrs. Wiseman (together) : We are glad to meet 
you. (They both take seats.) 

Deacon W. : Well, Brother ISTewcomer, I notice you attend 
church regularly, how do you like our people and all ? 

Abram (clearing his throat and coughing violently) : A-hem, 
a-hem, I think — a-hem, a-hem, a-hem, I li — a-hem right well. 
A-a-a-hem. 

(Mrs. Wiseman takes her husband's hat, which he is holding 
in his hand, and rests it, together with her cloak, on a near-by 
sofa.) 



Leisuke Moments 23 

Deacon W. : I am glad you like us. We all want you to feel 
that you are quite at home with us, and particularly the church, 
for you know that is the center of all joy. 

Abram : A-a-a-a-hem, a-a-hem, a-hem. 

Deacon W. : Our preacher is very kind and is always ready 
to do what he can to make things pleasant for strangers. 

Abram : Yes. 

Deacon W. : And what do you think of our teacher ; is he as 
good as you expected ? 

Abram (somewhat carelessly) : Well, yes, I s'pose he's right 
good. 

Deacon W. : Why we all think there's nobody like Professor 
Teachwell ; he's so strict. You know, he's kind and tender with 
the children, but at the same time he's positive; and we like 
him for that. 

Abram (calling) : Harmon, Harmon; O Harmon! Bring me 
some water. A-a-ahem. My throat is so dry. 

(Dfeacon W., someAvhat discouraged, stops talking for a while 
and looks thoughtfully about the room, then a boy enters with 
one glass of water.) 

(Abram drinks the water and then asks) Would you like to 
have a drink of water ? 

Deacon and Mrs. W. (together) : No, thank you. 

(The boy turns to pass out with the glass.) 

Mrs. Wiseman (speaking to the boy) : And this is Herman, 
is it? 

Abram and Mrs. IST. (together) : ISTo ! It's Har-mon. 

Abram: I named him myself. 

Mrs. W. (speaking calmly) : Yes. 

Abram (showing some signs of disgust) : I'll tell you. Brother 
Wiseman, just to be right plain about it, you all have too much 
style for me. I never was used to it, and I just can't put on 
that way. 

(Mrs. ^., swaying her body from side to side a few times, 
turns half -around on her chair as if half -excited and half -tickled 
at Abram's boldness.) 

Abram (continuing) : Of course I go to church, as you say, 
but it don't seem exactly like church to me. Everything is just 
too stylish. 



24 Leisure Moments 

Deacon W. (rather glad that Abram has expressed himself) : 
Why, how do you make it so? We all think we are very plain 
people — at least we try to be, and most strangers who come this 
way say that we come very near to being what we profess to be. 

Abram : Well, yes, I can't say you're not what you claim to 
be ; it's not that, but it's the stylish ways you all have of talking, 
singing, and praying and so on. We're not used to it. 

Deacon W. : I think I understand you very well now. Brother 
N^ewcomer, and I partly agree with you. Partly, I say. I agree 
that you are right when you say that you are not used to the 
way we worship ; and I agree that church is no place for style, 
just for style's sake. But if you will listen a moment I think I 
can show you that we are not putting on but that our ways are 
just as natural to us as yours are to you. ISTow, do you remem- 
ber. Brother Newcomer, the first time you went to the city, how 
strangely everything and everybody seemed there? 

Abram : I do ; and that very well. Everybody was dashing 
around and talking through their noses at such a rate I could 
hardly understand anything they said. And to tell you the 
truth, they were not any better the last time I went there. 

Deacon W. : Sure enough. I notice you say they were no 
better the last time you were there than when you first saw them. 

Abram : That's right. 

Deacon W. : And how long since you first went to the city ? 

Abram : Well, I s'pose it's been near on to twenty-five years 
since the first time I remember going there. 

Deacon W. : Twenty-five years ! JNTow, Brother j^ewcomer, 
don't you think that a mighty long time to keep up a put-on ? 

Abram (pausing) : Well, I hadn't thought of that. I reckon 
it does come right natural to them by now. 

Deacon W. : And how long do you suppose they had been going 
on like that before you saw them? 

Abram : I couldn't say. There's no telling. 

Deacon W. : So you can see we are not putting on, for we 
have been going on just as you see us for years and years, and 
we never could have held out so long at putting-on. 

Abram : I reckon you're right in that. I hadn't thought of it 
so. But your church meetings are so dull; there's no life in 
them. Why there's Manthy, our oldest girl, slept last Sunday 



Leisuke Moments 25 

till I was ashamed of her, but I couldn't blame the poor child 
for I could hardly keep my own eyes open. ]^ow, let me tell 
you, when that man you call Jeremiah Gabriel fills the pulpit 
there's no sleeping. (Lively.) You hear what I say? Ain't 
it so. Old Woman ? 

Mrs. ]^. : You're sho' right, Abram. 

Abram : I'll be honest with you, I think a preacher ought to 
keep his people awake. 

Deacon W. : Yes, I think it is right for the preacher to keep 
his people awake, and then I think it is the duty of the people 
to stay awake. There's some responsibility on both sides. 

Abram : If Jeremiah Gabriel could get in your church one 
time you'd see the people's eyes open. 

Deacon W. : Well, I was just with our preacher today, and 
he told me that he had invited the Reverend Mr. Gabriel to 
preach for him next Sunday. 

Abram (rising) : Look here, Deacon, is that so? Well, you'll 
hear something ; mark what I tell you. Why, there's my wife — 
that woman rejoices all around in High Level Church every 
time she goes there, and the woman h'aint even shed a tear since 
here she's been. 

Deacon and Mrs. W. (rising) : Well, we must go now. I 
assure you we have spent a pleasant evening with you. We 
hope to see you again soon. 

Abram: Come again. (The curtain falls.) 



Chakacters : 

Rev. Jeremiah Gabriel, the preacher. 
Abram J^ewcomer. 
"Manthy" I^ewcomer, age 16. 
"Doshy" JN^ewcomer, age 6. 
"Helun" J^ewcomer, age 14. 
Pomp ISTewcomer, age 11. 
"Harmon" ISTewcomer, age 9. 
The baby, age 3. 
Mrs. JN^ewcomer. 



26 Leisure Moments 

Scene II : It is now Saturday night, and Abram and his chil- 
dren are seated in the house. Abram, with hat on, is looking 
through glasses in a large and well-worn family Bible from 
which he tells the children their ages. 

Mrs. Newcomer is out in the kitchen looking after the cooking 
for Sunday. 

Abram (looking up from the Bible and yawning) : 0-ho — 
ho-ho ! This has been a hard week with me, I've had to plow 
so. l^ever mind, though, Pomp will be old enough next year, 
and I'll make him plow. 

Doshy : Pa, Pomp said he was eleven now ; how old will he 
be next year, ten? 

(All the children laugh heartily.) 

Abram: 'No, child, he'll be twelve. Can't you count? 

(All the children excepting Manthy ask how old they are, 
and Abram looks in the Bible and tells the age of each one.) 

Dioshy: Pa, how old are you? 

Abram : Ah, well, I don't hardly know. Nigh on to forty- 
five, I reckon. 

Harmon : Pa, Manthy said she'd soon be grown. She'll not, 
will she? 

Abram : She looks like it now, don't she ? 

(All the children giggle at her.) 

(Suddenly all stop to look at some one entering with over- 
coat, suitcase and long walking cane.) 

Abram : Upon my word, here's Brother Gabriel. Bless my 
life ! How-de-do, how-de-do, how-de-do ! 

(They engage in an expressive handshake.) 

Rev. Gab. : Right well, I thank you. Brother Abram ; how 
do you all do ? 

Abram : We're all as much as common. Children, do you 
know who this is ? Tell him howdy. 

(All the children crowd around the preacher and he shakes 
their hands, calling some of them by their names.) 

Abram (calling): 'Lindy, Lindy; O Malindy (she answers 
outside). Come here a minute. 

(Mrs. Newcomer enters with head tied up in a white towel, 
apron on, and flour-dough all over her hands.) 

Mrs. N. (wiping one hand with her apron) : Well, well, well! 
How are you. Brother Gabriel? (shaking his hand). 



Leisure Moments 27 

Eev. Gab. : Only commou, Sister Malinda. How are you ? 

Mrs. N^. : I'm well, I b'lieve. We're mighty glad you've come. 
You'll preach for 'em. here tomorrow, I reckon ? 

R^v. Gab. : That's what they say. 

Mrs. ]^. : Abram, they'll hear something in that church to- 
morrow, won't they? 

Abram : That's right. We've been telling the people about 
you, Brother Gabriel. We tell these folks they don't know what 
good preaching is. I hope you'll show 'em something tomorrow. 

Rev. Gab. (laughing) : Ha, ha, ha, haw! 

Mrs. ]^. : Manthy — Doshy — Pomp, look here, what's you all 
gazing after now? Get to movin' 'round here. The last one 
of you must go to that church in the mornin'. You hear? Go 
ring dat chicken's neck, Harmon. 

(The children all scatter out, and Abram and Mrs. IN'ewcomer 
settle down for a little chat with the preacher.) 

Rev. Gab. : Tell me, how are you liking it up here ? 

Abram: It's like this. Brother Gabriel, these folks are all 
mighty nice people, but their style eats up their religion, that's 
the trouble. Their meetings are dry and dead. We want to 
hear one more good old sermon. 

Rev. Gab. : Um, hum ; I'll be bound. 

Abram : You know how Malindy and Manthy always carry 
on in High Level Church when you preach. 

Rev. Gab. : That I do, mighty well. 

Abram : Well, the poor things have not cried one tear since 
here we've been. 

Rev. Gab. : To be sure. Must be something wrong. 

Abram : I hope you'll let them critters enjoy their religion 
tomorrow. 

Rev. Gab. : Well, I've always told you that I never believed 
in leanin' too much on schoolin' when it comes to preachin'. 
I'm a man that b'lieves in goin' right to the throne and leavin' 
book learnin' off. 

(Abram and Mrs. ^. look at each other and laugh very 
heartily.) 

Rev. Gab. : I've always heard that these people up here are 
mighty high-minded, but I reckon the gospel 'ill find 'em. 



28 Leisure Moments 

(Abram and Mrs. IST. again laugh; Mrs. 'N. laughing until 
tears run from her eyes; wipes them with the corner of her 
apron and sways back and forth on her chair.) 

Mrs. N. : I'll go back to the kitchen now and help the chil- 
dern. Abram, you all can talk on. 

Abram : Well, we'll talk on a while then I'll let Brother 
Gabriel lie down and rest for I reckon he's tired. 

Rev. Gab. : Yes, I've walked every foot of the way up here 
today. I think they call it sixteen miles. I'm sure it's no less. 

(The curtain falls.) 

It is now Monday night. The Reverend Jeremiah Gabriel 
has filled his appointment and returned to his home in Flat 
Swamp Township leaving his erstwhile friends sadly disap- 
pointed. Of course they had entertained him while in the com- 
munity, and Abram and his wife had stayed up late Saturday 
night talking with him about the old friends at their former 
home and commenting upon the differences between their ways 
and the ways of the people in Bright Light Township. Brother 
Gabriel was told in detail of the dry times at their religious 
meetings, and was given to understand that he was expected to 
give the church a general awakening. Sunday morning came, 
and just as the people were about to dismiss the Sunday School 
the J^ewcomer family entered the church. Among them was a 
tall, careless looking stranger, wearing an extra long "Jim 
Swinger" coat the linings and bindings of which had become 
threadbare from the service of many summers. Every one else 
was dressed so neatly till Brother Gabriel felt that he was 
quite odd, and the thought that every eye was on him made him 
feel uncomfortable. However, after a few clumsy introductions 
he enters the pulpit and preaches. For some reason, unknown 
to the J^ewcomers, Brother Gabriel was sadly lacking in his 
ability to interest the people. In fact, his effort was such 
a miserable failure until they were ashamed of him, and so they 
are now seated at home after supper talking the matter over. 



Scene III : The ISTewcomer family seated as before, only 
Abram's hat is off. 

Abram: Malindy, what on earth could have been the trouble 
with Brother Gabriel yesterday ? I never felt so sorry for a man 



Leisure Moments 29 

in all my life. The poor fellow trembled and fumbled, and it 
did look like he was afraid to stand up straight. 

Mrs. N^. : Yes, I saw it. Of course, Abram, he wouldn't ac- 
knowledge it, but I do believe the man was sick. His good voice 
was gone, and he just couldn't make his words sound. I'm sorry 
the man tried to preach at all. 

(A knock is heard at the door.) 

Abram : Come in. 

(Deacon Wiseman enters, speaks with all, and is seated.) 

Abram (more interested than when Deacon Wiseman visited 
before, is very anxious to talk) : I am right glad you got over 
tonight. Deacon ; I've been thinking about what you were saying 
the other night. 

Deacon W. (notices the words, "Been thinking," in Abram's 
remarks and bases his conversation on them) : Been thinking, 
eh? Well after all. Brother Newcomer, that is the main thing 
in life. [N'one of us can ever hope to make improvement along 
any line until we begin to thinh along that line. 

(These words seem to open up an entirely new avenue to 
Abram's mind, and his eyes immediately light up with a beam 
of intelligence that surprises even Mrs. I^ewcomer herself.) 

Abram: I certainly believe you are right Deacon Wiseman; 
and I must confess I've never thought about these matters before 
like I'm thinking now. I am just beginning to understand that 
first text I heard your preacher use after we moved over here — 
"Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can 
shut it." I felt mighty dull and sleepy on that Sunday, but now 
it all comes to me as plain as day, and it seems like the door has 
just been opened before me. 

Deacon W. : Good ! That's the way with the gospel, some- 
times it seems to be very dull while you are listening to it, but 
it is solid truth, and just as certain as it falls into an honest 
heart it will spring up and bring forth fruit. 

Abram : Yes ; and that reminds me of the second text I heard 
here — "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou will find it after 
many days." 

Deacon W. : Good again. I was just trying to remember the 
Eeverend Jeremiah Gabriel's text yesterday morning, but some- 
how it doesn't come to me. 



30 Leisure Moments 

Abram (dropping liis head) : Yes; well, I can't tMnk cf it 
myself right now. Let me see — let me see. Malindy, what did 
he talk about ? 

Mrs. I^. : Why Abram, you know he spoke about a good many 
things while he was up, but I just can't think of none of 'em 
now. It 'pears to me like he first started off on Eve and Adam, 
then — let me see — then after a while he talked a right smart on 
Daniel and the lions, and about Peter gettin' out o' jail, and 
so on. 

Deacon W. : And, since I think of it, how did you enjoy the 
sermon, anyway? 

Abram : Why I'll tell you. Deacon, I was outdone. The man 
fell flat. I never saw him make such a failure before. 

Deacon W. : Well, tell me about some of those good sermons 
he used to preach at High Level. 

Abram : Why he just preached and preached till he got happy, 
and the people would get happy. Some of them would fall down 
and some would stand up and rejoice. Some would laugh and 
some would cry. It was just a lively time. 

Deacon W. : And what was he saying. Brother l^ewcomer ? 

Abram : I can't hardly tell you now. Deacon, but I'll tell you 
it was lively. 

Deacon W. : I like lively meetings, brother, but a sermon is 
good for what help we can get out of it. JSTow suppose your 
child spends tomorrow in school and when he gets out he just 
remembers there was a great stir but forgets all the teacher said, 
do you think that day in school would be much help to him in 
life? 

Abram : A-a-a-a-hem. I don't reckon it would. 

Deacon W. : Well, then, can you explain how a sermon can 
help any one when they can't remember what was said in it ? 

Abram: Well, it can't help much, I'm mighty certain. 

Deacon W. : You are right. Brother ISTewcomer. You see we 
must both "hear" and "do" if we want to be on solid ground in 
the gospel — "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth 
them." 

Abram: Deacon, I've never thought so much about these 
things. Your talk is helping me to see. 



Leisure Moments 31 

Deacon W. : Now, then, I think you can see the difference 
between the two ministers. You've just been telling me about 
the sermons you've heard since you've been here, and it seems 
that the more you talk about them the better you can remember 
them although they didn't seem to count for so much at first. 

Abram : You are sure right about that. I can hear that man 
now telling about that open door and showing us how to go 
through it into better health, better business, better understand- 
ing, better spiritual life, and finally, to a better home in heaven. 
Then I'll never forget that last point — "No man can shut it." 

Deacon W. : ISTow I think you can see how we enjoy preach- 
ing. We may not show our joy while the minister preaches like 
you have been used to, but we get and carry away with us what 
he says, and it helps in daily life just as it is doing you now. 

Abram: I see; but don't you believe in the Spirit in a 
preacher ? 

Deacon W. : O yes, that I do. It is the Spirit that enables 
the preacher to give us the plain truth, and it is the Spirit that 
helps us to remember it so well after we have heard it. Some- 
times we even get happy and rejoice alone as well as at church. 

Abram : Deacon Wiseman, your talk is opening my eyes. I've 
never understood so well before. The Lord certainly has opened 
a door before me, and by his help I mean to go through it into 
a different way of thinking, and here's my hand for it (extending 
his hand). 

Deacon W. (rising and shaking Abram's hand) : Thank God, 
Brother I^ewcomer, we are now agreed; we can walk together. 

Abram (wiping his eyes with his handkerchief) : Thac re- 
minds me of the last text I heard your preacher use — "How can 
two walk together except they be agreed?" 

Deacon W. : Good-night, my dear brother. May God bless 
you. 

Abram : Good-night. Pray that I may ever more be wide- 
awake. 

(The curtain falls.) 

(End) 



POEMS ON SACRED AND OTHER SUBJECTS 
FAITH AND REASON 

'Twas on a road to Bethleliem 

Three women walked alone; 
A trial sore, long threatening them, 

Upon their hearts had come. 

Their lives, ere this, had sadness known, 

For each a wife had been; 
But fate had met them one by one 

And robbed them of that name. 

Three widows now, companions true, 

A crisis had to face ; 
Each dearly loved the other two, 

But hunger came apace. 

^^Daughters," the eldest widow said, 

"I to my home must go ; 
For I've no one to earn me bread 

In this strange land, you know. 

*^y husband dead, I'm left alone. 

To make life as I can; 
Therefore I surely must return 

To far-off Bethlehem. 

"Keturn I pray you, daughters dear. 

In your own land remain. 
The Lord deal kindly with you here. 

And make you wives again." 

^^Nay mother, nay," they both replied. 

We mean to follow thee ; 
Ten years you've been a faithful guide. 

Shall Ave now separate be?" 



Leisure Moments 33 

"I'm sure I love you, daughters fair, 

But love alone can't bless ; 
I've no more sons with you to share, 

My heart's love to express." 

A deep emotion now possessed 

Each member of the group; 
Each heart was heavy and each breast 

Concealed a secret thought. 

"Such reason,'' one young widow said, 

"I cannot well resist" ; 
Then, weeping loudly, up she sped 

And pressed a farewell kiss. 

And then, with sorrowing steps she trod, 

But not toward Bethlehem. 
She chose the back end of the road, 

To die in heathen lands. 

Two widows now stood face to face; 

What reason had begun 
Was not yet finished, but the task 

Was only just half done. 

The elder widow spoke once more: 

"Thy sister hath returned ; 
Return thou to thy gods of yore. 

Where kinship's fires still burn." 

Here reason, by her conquerer pressed, 

Fell shattered to the ground; 
For faith the mortal had possessed. 

And filled with hopes profound. 

"ET^TREAT ME ^OT !" the younger cries, 

"EOR I WILL FOLLOW THEE ! 
THY GOD ART MINE till LIFE expires, 

THY PEOPLE mine shall be." 



34 Leisuee Moments 

These widows three, as you now see, 

Were l^aomi and Ruth 
And Orpah, who turned hack to he 

An alien to the truth. 

Pushed on by faith, Ruth made a place 

In history Divine; 
Her life of industry and grace 

Must through all ages shine. 



ALONE 



Alone in thoughtful silence, 

Withdrawn from things less pure; 
Away from friends less innocent. 

More loathsome to endure. 
In with the nobler being, 

Higher interests to unfold; 
There to disclose my secrets 

In the language of the soul. 

Alone out in the forests. 

Where wild beasts love to roam; 
Where birds and bees and insects 

Delight to make their homes. 
Out where there's none to answer 

Save the echo of my voice. 
Which, moved by holy musings. 

Lauds my eternal choice. 

Alone upon the mountain, 

High up above the sod 
Where weaklings dare not venture. 

Where the fearful never trod. 



Leisure Moments 35 

Up where the morning cloudlets 

Bathe the face in dews of love, 
There to await a bathing 

In the dews from heaven above. 

Alone, and yet in company 

With spirits more divine. 
Whose visions are much broader — 

More firmly set than mine. 
Alone, yet in the presence 

Of the Mighty Counsellor — 
Ah! after all Vm. not alone, 

For God is everywhere. 



CHILDREN'S DAY 

'New Year's month, with ice and snow, 
February — that short month, you know; 
March and April, then comes May, 
Then the month for children's day. 

Sparkling eyes and dancing feet, 
Cheerful voices in the street; 
Hair all done in ribbons gay. 
Tokens of bright children's day. 

Dresses too, of pink and blue. 
White and scarlet, crisp and new; 
Hats of cream and suits of grey, 
Come with happy children's day. 

Fathers, mothers, shady brooks, 
Sisters, brothers, pocketbooks; 
Lips and tongues to speak and pray — 
What a blessed children's day! 



36 Leisure Moments 

Whence do all these blessings come — 
Cliurclies, teachers, Christian homes? 
Are they not from Him who sends 
Blessings on the sons of men? 

"Now with all these blessings ours, 
Given to us in copious showers. 
Let us each one bravely say, 
''I will give' on children's day. 



"WHAR IS DAT TICKET' 

(A scene on a railway train) 

"AlFs right, here," says the porter ; 

"Bye-bye," a woman shouts; 
"Aboard," says the conductor — 

My, what a crowded coach! 

The cars are now in motion, 
The engine puffs and blows; 

The earth seems westward moving 
As toward the east we go. 

The passengers are many. 

It's Christmas times you know; 

Some are unduly merry. 

And some make no such show. 

One man seems discontented. 
He wears no Christmas smile; 

While all the rest keep seated 
He sighs and walks the aisle. 



Leisure Moments 37 

The people have certificates 

To show they've paid their fares ; 
This restless man will try his face, 

I'm judging by his airs. 

I^ow here comes the conductor 

With his puncher in his hand ; 
He goes right to the stranger 

And says, "All right, old man." 

My friend feels round quite rapidly. 

His eyes fixed on the floor; 
He tries each pocket separately, 

And looks his hat-band o'er. 

[N'ext he takes out his pocketbook 

And turns it upside down; 
And now he knows not where to look. 

He's turning round and round. 

The Captain says, "Here; hurry up! 

I have no time to waste ; 
If you have anything to show 

Just get it up in haste." 

The man looks up, half-wittedly, 

The passengers all gaze ; 
He frowns and grins alternately, 

And then looks round and says: 

"Lor', lor' ! where is dat ticket ? 

I had it once I'm sho'. 
Cap., please take my word for it. 

And I'll not lose it any mo'." 

The Captain's hand is on the cord. 

He jerks impatiently ; 
The engineer is on his job 

And acts accordingly. 



35 Leisube Moments 

"Your word," lie says, "can't run this train, 
It takes money here, not talk ; 

So just produce the coin, old man, 
Or else get down and walk." 

The train moves slowly, slower yet, 

And now it really stands ; 
The Captain shouts, "Get down, you beat! 

Make footprints in the sand." 

Don't let your face deceive you, 
'Twill carry you well, I know ; 

But railway trains will leave you 
If you've nothing else to show. 



PROMISES 

Promises — just promises, 

How often they are made; 
How freely they are passed about 

And offered to the trade. 

They're used to stock the storehouse 

And to supply the home ; 
They're used to pay the workmen off 

After the job is done. 

They're good for strength in weakness. 

In sickness they are health; 
They're good for light in darkness, 

And in poverty they're wealth. 

We make them in clear weather, 

We make them in the rain ; 
Too oft they're made without the thought 

That they'll be met again. 



Leisure Moments 39 

To be a promise-maker 

Should require a mine of power, 
For faithful promise-keepers 

Are requirements of the hour. 

There is one promise-maker, 

And one alone, who keeps, 
Up to the very minute, 

Each promise that he makes. 

His promises are precious, 

More precious than fine gold ; 
Each one, a very fortune. 

Is a comfort to the soul. 



THE VILLAGE WEDDING 

"Miss Flora Jane will wed tonight, 
The bells are now a-ringing; 

The parlor lamp is burning bright," 
Thus all the girls were singing. 

The preacher had been notified 
To have his best clothes ready. 

To stand before the groom and bride 
Just after seven-thirty. 

The seamstress had been taxed for days 
To get the gowns all fitted; 

She had to send in different ways 
To get the fabrics needed. 

The crowds were out in spirits gay 

To see them put together. 
And hear the preacher calmly say, 

"You now are one forever." 



40 Leisure Moments 

The married folk, the single folk, 
The young folk and the grey, 

Vie with each other for a chance 
To see the bride's array. 

Aunt Clara said, "Chile, you looks nice. 

Your hair is done so cute ; 
I'm 'fraid they'll fill it, though, with rice 

When Reverend shuts his book." 

The hour named was some too soon, 

The people had to wait ; 
The bride was dressed and in her room. 

The groom stayed out till eight. 

At length a youngster said, "He's here" ; 

The crowd began to whisper. 
And then there was a general stir 

To see how he would enter. 

!N^ow Ezra was a handsome man. 

He'd come from Carolina; 
When he stood straight with hat' in hand 

1^0 youngster could look finer. 

He walked straight up to his betrothed, 

As pert as any lawyer ; 
Then bravely led the one he loved 

Right up to Hymen's altar. 

The preacher spoke in words quite brief, 
And asked them questions clever. 

Then said, "I call you man and wife — 
Now, henceforth, and forever." 

And then he prayed, "Lord, keep these two 

Safe unto life eternal"; 
Then shook their hands and said, "Much joy, 

Both earthly and supernal." 



Leisure Moments 41 

And then the crowd, with laughter, swelled 

Emotion into pleasure; 
And there were many wish-you-wells 

For Flora Jane and Ezra. 



LIFE 



Life, life, thou art a mystery ! 

Thy works, who can reveal ? 
Who knows, when thou art history. 

What story thou wilt tell? 

Hast thou heen given for pleasure 

Or must thy lot be pain? 
Or wilt thou fill thy measure 

With some sunshine and some rain? 

Hast thou with good or ill been sent 
To mark this mundane sphere? 

Will flesh and fashion hold thee pent 
While thou art stationed here? 

When thou hast done as thou wert meant. 

Will other lives be blest? 
Wilt thou have gotten victory when 

Thou liest down to rest? 

Ah, life ! thou art a mystery ! 

Thy purpose who can tell? 
How wilt thou meet eternity 

When thou sayest to time, farewell? 



42 Leisure Moments 



PREMATURE PROMISES 

If I were yours, 

I'd run your errands, do your chores, 

I'd make your fires and scrub your floors, 

I'd hoe your beans and push your mowers, 

And oil the hinges on your doors ; 

If I were yours. 

If you were mine, then I'd be kind ; 
I wouldn't make you saw the wood. 
And be as cruel as I could. 
You'd make the beds and cook the food, 
And serve the tea, so sweet and good; 
You'd keep the linen neat and clean, 
I'm sure you never would be mean. 
You'd go to church and be on time. 
And everything you touched would shine, 
If you were mine. 

If I were yours and you were mine. 
Then all our days would be sunshine. 
And we'd be happy all the time. 
When winter's chilly breezes came 
Two hearts, made one, would beat the same. 
Till love's fires sparked in every vein 
And warmed the body like a flame. 
On bright and balmy days of spring 
We'd work and make bouquets and sing ; 
We'd play life's songs in sweetest chimes 
And wait for lovely summer-time. 
If I were yours and you were mine. 



Leisure Moments 43 



LINGERING WINTER 

Winter — lingering winter, 

Why dost thou tarry so? 
Who hath thy journey hindered 

That thou art loath to go? 

Hast thou not filled thy mission? 

Were thy days allotted wrong? 
Has spring lost her position 

Held in calendars so long ? 

Tomorrow morn is Easter 
And the lilies want to bloom ; 

But thou, wdth icy fingers, 

Hast filled the earth with gloom. 

The fruits their plea have entered, 
The flowers have asked to grow; 

But thou, O lingering winter, 
Hast answered with a snow. 

March winds have sung their farewells, 

April the fourth has come ; 
Spring-time has rung her joy-bells, 

And still thou art not gone. 

Winter — O lingering winter. 

Why dost thou tarry so ? 
Who hath thy journey hindered 

That thou art loath to go ? 

"I'm not my own," says winter, 

"All nature hath a king; 
And I cannot move thither 

Till He my passport brings." 



44 Leisure Moments 



THE BIRTH OF CHRIST 

Close by an Eastern city, 

On a night long, long ago, 

While shepherds o'er their flocks kept watch 

And mused as men of yore, 

A stranger stood among them 

And light upon them shed; 

It was the angel of the Lord 

In shining garments clad. 

The shepherds were astonished. 

And showed a sense of awe. 

The angel said, "Fear not, I bring 

Grood tidings of great joy: 

This day in David's city 

A Son to you is born ; 

He comes to be a Saviour-King 

Of nations yet unknown. 

"This news is to all people, 

Of every age and clime — 

The rich, the poor, the bond, the free, 

The humble, maimed and blind. 

All earth shall hear the story 

Of the King, Emanuel, 

Who leaves his home in Glory 

To save lost souls from Hell. 

"If you this King would visit 

And his natal place behold. 

Seek not a stately edifice 

With ornaments of gold; 

Go rather to the lowly 

And search among the poor ; 

"5^ou'll find him dressed in swaddling clothes, 

Behind a stable door." 



Leisure Moments 45 

And while tlie shepherds listened 
To language so sublime, 
And wondered at the story 
Of salvation for mankind, 
A sudden gleam of splendor 
Flooded the scene around — 
A multitude of heavenly host 
Broke forth the joyful song : 

"To God be highest glory, 
Good will and peace toward men." 
Thus rang the wondrous story 
From a choir of angel friends. 
They then returned to heaven, 
From whence they all had come. 
And left the wondering shepherds 
The message to make known. 

The shepherds then decided 
To see the new-born King. 
They hastened on to Bethlehem 
And viewed the glorious scene. 
They told what they had witnessed 
At their watches in the plain. 
And all who heard them wondered 
At what God had done for men. 



WISDOM 



Wisdom, thou pearl, to man a gift most excellent ; 
Thy values, by most mortals yet unknown, 
Are precious ; thy treasures, inexhaustible, 
Are open to the quest of man ; and man alone. 
Of earth, may draw the richest wealth therefrom. 
Thou art not bought with price, like jewels rare, 
But only sought, with diligence and care. 
If man thy golden ornaments would wear. 



46 Leisure Moments 

Then why art thou thus far with such restriction given ? 

And why so few of mortals with thee crowned? 

Art thou despised of man, or is it true 

That thou wert given in vain? Must men unborn 

As yet be less informed of thy realities than we? 

Or may man yet, somewhere, in thy rich gems be dressed, 

And bridge the chasm, 'twixt us and thee, so long uncrossed ? 

For this our groping souls and spirits wait and trust. 



FORMER TIMES 

The times are very different now 
To what they used to be — 

One seldom sees the scrape and bow 
Of old-time courtesy. 

They started fires with flint and steel 
And cotton, parched till brown; 

They didn't have the matches then 
Now sold in every town. 

They cooked in open fireplace then, 

With oven, pot and pan; 
And some baked on a griddle 

Made in blacksmith shop by hand. 

But now we all have cook-stoves, 

With fixtures up-to-date ; 
Teapots, pie-pans and kettles, 

In which to boil and bake. 

Our meals are served at tables 
On dishes white and clean; 

Our tea is served in shining cups 
Of polished porcelain. 



Leisure Moments 47 

Folks used to eat from wooden trays 

Hewn out from black-gum stumps; 
Large gourds were used for soup bowls 

And small ones used for cups. 

The young folks used to card and spin 

When their day's work was done ; 
That's where the old folks got their thread 

To weave in at the loom. 

The cloth to make our coats and pants 

Was made in our own homes, 
And home-folks cut and sewed by hand 

Our fanciest costumes. 

Our socks were made at leisure hours, 

When friends to visit came ; 
Old folks would chat and laugh for hours 

And keep knitting all the same. 

The ladies wore their bonnets then, 

And home-made ones at that; 
They never used the showy crowns 

JN'ow called an Easter hat. 

Our shoes were made of home-tanned hides, 

And shaped on home-made lasts ; 
There were no high-heeled tooth-pick styles 

To spoil the Sunday rests. 

And trips to church, though ten miles off. 

Were mostly made by walks ; 
And if perchance one rode at all 

It was behind an ox. 

There were few high-priced horses then 

To soil one's clothes with mud ; 
N'o buzzing automobiles 

To dash along the road. 



48 Leisure Moments 

And wlien the people went to churcli 
For song and praise and prayer, 

They spoke right out about the Lord 
And worshiped without fear. 

"When people one another met 
They didn't say "Hello !" 

But each the other's hand would shake 
And say "How do you do ?" 

The times are very different now 
To what they used to be, 

The people who are living now 
Such times may never see. 



THE CORN SHUCKING 

When "Big Bill" Wadsworth shucked his corn 

And rolled away the leavings, 
The neighbors had a night of fun 

That stirred their highest feelings. 

The men and boys for miles around 

Were on the roads quite early; 
Their voices told in lively sound 

That all were feeling jolly. 

Si' Wilkins reached the corn pile first, 
And picked his place for working; 

His followers to their places rushed. 
And showed no signs of shirking. 

Now Si' was known as "Working Si';" 

He boasted many honors ; 
So he spoke out and said "Aye, aye, 

We lead, let others follow." 



Leisure Moments 49 

Jake Simpson now was in tlie lot 

And near him stood Mike Alston. 
Jake said, "Mike, hear Si' Wilkins' plot ? 

Let's take his reputation." 

"All right," said Mike, "we'll take our place 

And call our boys together; 
We'll beat Si' Wilkins in the race 

And take away his feather." 

Jake's crowd took one half of the pile 

And Si's crowd took the other; 
All worked as smoothly for a while 

As if they'd been blood-brothers. 

At length Si' thought to inspire his men 

With one of his corn halloos, 
So he began, "O blow yo' horn, 

0-ho-o Kel-line-o." 

Jake said, "O boys, listen to Si', 

But he's just trying to scare us; 
When he gets through we'll raise a cry, 

And the whole township will hear us." 

When Si' got tired and stopped to rest 

And whisper to his partners, 
Jake broke right in with "Do your best 

To gin the corn, ginners." 

IN'ow Si' felt he was in the bad 

And tried to start a racket ; 
He threw some corn at Abe Long's head 

And did his best to crack it. 

Abe understood; his course was sane, 

He did not dare return it. 
Said he, "The thing we want is game. 

And it takes all this to win it." 



50 Leisure Moments 

Next Sr said, "Boys, I'll quench my thirst, 

The well sits very handy" ; 
But at the well stood Bill Wadsworth, 

Who passed a glass of brandy. 

[N'ow Si' was not a drinking man. 

His rule was to keep sober ; 
But in this case he thought a dram 

Might help him to win over. 

When he came to the pile again 
His spirit had been quickened; 

He fell to shouting "Whoo-pee men. 
Don't fear, we're bound to lick 'em." 

But soon Si' found his head was light. 
He couldn't stoop for falling; 

So he got quiet and scrambled out 
Behind the barn by crawling. 

Kow Jake kept sober to the end, 
He and his men were steady; 

They pulled their shucks and rolled them in 
Before Si's men got ready. 

When all was over "Big Bill" said, 
"All hands walk in to supper; 

We've pork and rice and beef, stall-fed, 
Enough for every shucker." 

The supper finished, Abe Long spoke 
And said, "Men, where's Si' Wilkins? 

He didn't show up for his part 
Of Mrs. Wadsworth's cookings." 

]N"ow in the crowd was Si's son "Ike" 
Who seemed much disappointed. 

For this had been the only fight 

In which "Pa Si' " 'd been conquered. 



Leisuee Moments 51 

Jake Simpson said, "Ike, where's your Pa? 

Why wasn't he at supper ?" 
Ike said, "Pa's out behind the barn, 

Asleep or sick or sumpin'." 

So thus Si' Wilkins lost his name 

As "Si', the Mighty Worker" ; 
Thus one dram dragged him down to shame 

And kept him out from supper. 



MUSINGS OF AN ORPHAN CHILD 

Tomorrow will be Christmas 

And the town will be ablaze 
With many pretty toys and gifts 

To suit for children's plays ; 
And stockings will be hanging 

Stuffed with many pretty treats : 
I wonder if from all of these 

I'll any presents get. 

The church-bells will be ringing 

Their echoes o'er and o'er; 
The church choirs will be singing 

Of redemption for the poor; 
The preachers will pray blessings 

On the children full and free : 
Will any one in all the world 

Offer a prayer for me ? 

And there'll be many Christmas trees 

To make the children glad; 
I know 'twill be quite hard to choose 

Gifts that they have not had. 
They'll pass the packages about 

And call the names with glee : 
But O ! what if some one would shout, 

"This is for Minnie Lee." 



52 Leisuke Moments 

Tlie people in tlie prisons 

Get nice dinners on tliat day; 
The poor folks at tlie county homes 

Get nice things too, they say; 
And sick folks are remembered 

By their friends from far away: 
I wonder why, among them all, 

'No one remembers me. 

Last year I longed for Christmas 

And thought 'twould be a joy ; 
I dreamed of many pretty things 

And how I'd like my toys; 
But when I looked that morning 

And saw just an empty chair 
I was so disappointed 

That my eyes were filled with tears. 

I went out through the back door 

And called to Emma King, 
And asked her how it was, and why 

She had so many things ; 
She said she had a father 

And a mother, kind and true; 
And then she asked "Why don't your folks 

Get Christmas things for you ?" 

And then I shook with sorrow. 

My lips stuck hard and fast; 
I thought of what had happened 

In days now long since past. 
I knew not how to answer. 

Her question seemed so hard ; 
I stood and watched some snowflakes 

That were falling on the yard. 

My mother died, so I am told, 

When I was just a babe ; 
My father died from extreme cold 

While working at his trade; 



Leisure Moments 53 

I've no one now to love me 

xis a mother loves her child; 
Some people even scorn me 

And call me "Orphan Girl." 

The preacher says there's one above 

Who loves and cares for me, 
And that if I will faithful prove 

He will my father be. 
And so if I've no earthly friends 

My Christmas to prepare, 
Perhaps my heavenly Father 

Will provide His loving care. 



HOW CARL JINGO TOLD HIS AGE 

Carl Jingo was a handy man. 

As funny as could be ; 
Considered as a round farm-hand, 

Few were as good as he. 

I chanced to meet with him one day 

And talk for a short space; 
I saw his hair had grown quite grey, 

And time had plowed his face. 

I asked about his birth and age 

And his first dwelling-place; 
Then, dignified as any sage. 

He answered with much grace : 

"I'm three weeks older than Ed. Moss; 

I know my age — that's right. 
My mother's father Avas my boss, 

And he was bad to fight." 



54 Leisure Moments 

You're three weeks older, fully so, 
Than Edward Moss, you say; 

Then tell me, Carl, I'd like to know, 
How old Ed. Moss might be ? 

"Ed. Moss — why, don't you understand- 
He's three weeks younger'n me; 

I know as well as any man, 
I was right there you see." 

Of course I hear you, I replied, 
But still I'm uninformed ; 

You don't quite see me, I'm afraid, 
On what day were you born ? 

"My birthday was a rainy day. 
The weather was quite warm. 

And folks were busy clearing 'way 
The fence jambs 'round the farm." 

Why, Jingo ! I'm surprised at you, 
I've never met your match; 

Do you remember your birth so. 
The weather and all such? 

"Remember it ! Of course I do, 

As if 'twere yesterday. 
I'm telling now just what I know, 

I^ot what I've heard folks say. 

"That's why I've always been so tough. 
That's why I never whine ; 

The weather never gets too rough — 
I can work, rain or shine." 

I then looked at my watch and learned 
The first church-bell had rung; 

So I left Carl, no more informed 
Than when we first begun. 



Leisure Moments 65 



LABOR 



Of all positions on this sphere 
With which mankind is favored, 
There's none more worthy to revere 
That that of honest labor. 

When darkness turns to early dawn, 
Or moonlight turns to morning, 
All nature seems to raise a song 
To hail the laborer's coming. 

And when the morning sun appears 
With light for all creation, 
It freely gives the greatest share 
To laborers of the nation. 

The draymen's wheels their music sound, 
Tons of provisions moving; 
The horses' hoofs on frozen ground 
Step to the music keeping. 

The steady hum of buzzing saws, 
I^ew boards for buildings cutting; 
The woodsmen's axes' rattling noise. 
Roadways for drivers clearing; 

All join in one harmonious strain 

To tell in language clever 

Of that which all men should proclaim — 

The dignity of labor. 

The blacksmith hammers at the forge, 
Great iron bars neatly welding; 
The farmer struggles to enlarge 
His surplus crops for selling. 



56 Leisure Moments 

The seamstress works at her machine 
To finish her engagements; 
The painter moves his brush and sings 
In merriest contentment. 

All these and hosts of others, true 
To every just endeavor, 
Unite to give the homage due 
To industry and labor. 



A NEGLECTED SOUL 

Beside a blooming brier rose. 

One lovely morn in June, 
A boy stood, clad in time-worn clothes, 

Beneath a burning sun. 

His face, upturned to passers-by. 

All damp and stained with dust. 
Presented to the cultured eye 

A picture of mistrust. 

His suit consisted of three parts, 

A shirt of many colors. 
And pants, with patches of two sorts, 

And two strings for suspenders. 

"Hey there," a passing stranger cried, 
"And what might your name be ?" 

"My name ain't nothin'," he replied, 
"The folks jes p'ints at me." 

"Where are you from, where's your birthplace, 

Your friends, and all of that?" 
"I never come from nowhere, case 

I's born right where Vm. at." 



Leisuee Moments 57 

"Your mamma, then, now do tell me 

Who is she — what's her name?" 
"My mammy ain't nobody; 

Sometime dey calls her Jane." 

"Why don't you go to school, my lad?" 

The stranger then inquired; 
"Dey ain't no school," the boy replied, 

"I stays right in dis yard." 

Just then the youngster whirled to chase 

A passing humming-bird; 
The stranger watched with anxious face 

But uttered not a word. 

He then looked at the brier rose, 

All trellaced, trimmed and trained. 
And thought, but not as you'd suppose, 

Of roses and their fame. 

He sighed, and thus expressed a wish. 

Which time has ne'er yet told — 
'^Why would the hand that trained this hush 

Neglect to train a soul?'' 



WHAT IS PEACE? 

What is peace? 
Peace is love — reclining love, 
With a clear blue sky above; 
With green pastures all around — 
Fields in which all needs abound; 
With calm waters gliding near, 
With no enemy to fear, 
With an able guard in sight, 
Who has never lost a fight, 
Keeping watch both day and night. 
Such is peace. 



58 Leisure Moments 



OPENING THE AUTUMN SCHOOL 

When brown October comes around 

And frosty mornings follow, 
When all the autumn school-bells sound 

And green leaves change their color. 

The children know school-days have come, 
So all their books they gather 

And hie away for lots of fun, 
]^o matter what the weather. 

They meet before the schoolhouse door 

In old association. 
Each wondering if the other's lore 

Excells his erudition. 

The boys assemble in a bunch. 

And tease each other pertly; 
One youngster gets his left eye punched 

For acting impolitely. 

The girls find other ways to pass 
The time while they are waiting: 

Some talk of "Dollie's hat and dress," 
Some others talk of baking. 

Still others talk of what a shine 
Was cut at church on Sunday, 

When Deacon Jones just gave one dime 
To help to feed the hungry. 

The teachers get out just in time 
To greet the children warmly. 

And then they have them form in lines 
And march inside quite promptly. 



Leisure Moments 59 

The students eye tlie teachers o'er, 

As all approach their stations, 
To see if they're just like they were 

Before the last vacation. 

The principal comes forward first, 

With a short exhortation; 
The other teachers on the list 

Offer no explanation. 

The Scriptures read, they sing a song 

Of last year's recollection; 
The principal then prays quite long, 

Asking Divine protection. 

Devotions over now, they get 

The registration pages; 
The children their full names must state, 

And give exact their ages. 

This done, they now turn to their books 

To see about the classes ; 
They all get out with good results 

Excepting some few cases. 

By now it's time for a recess, 

The pupils need refreshment; 
And so they have ten minutes rest 

Just after the assignment. 

And then they hear the small bell call, 

Asking for their attention. 
And that's the way the autumn school 

Opens for winter session. 



60 Leisure Moments 



WAR-TIME QUIZ, OR AFTER THE WORLD-WAR 

When tlie war ends, 
Will men be friends? 
Will one man then despise another, 
And scorn to treat him as a brother ? 
Will all men in this Christian nation 
See other men as God's creation? 
Will each seek others to excell, 
Only in doing what is well, 
When the war ends? 

When the war ends, 
Will men be men? 

Large men, brave men, who're not afraid 
To lend a voice the weak to aid? 
Men who're not bound by prejudice 
]^or moved by greedy avarice? 
Men blest with eyes of evil clear, 
Who can see matters as they are 
When the war ends? 

When the war's done. 
Will any one 

Return with the mistaken view 
That he need not the right pursue ? 
Will any feel immune from work, 
And think to idle, loaf and shirk, 
And thus increase capacity 
For troubling his community. 
When the war's done? 

When the war's done. 

Will anyone 

Who, at the risk of his own blood, 

Defending Eastern womanhood 



Leisure Moments 61 

Defied the fiend whose beastly sense 
Pounced upon virtuous innocence, 
Return a victor to the west 
And dare its womanhood molest, 
When the war's done ? 

When the war ends 

And peace begins, 

Shall we have reconstruction plans 

Good for all true Americans? 

Will any then intimidate 

And unjustly discriminate ? 

Shall sabre wounds and bullet scars 

Be forced to ride in Jim Crow cars, 

When the war ends? 

When the war's done, 
Shall right have won? 
Will wrong be wrong wherever acted? 
Will crime be crime where'er detected? 
When Huns and Allies cease to fight. 
Will might still trample upon right? 
Shall law apply to all alike. 
Whether the skin be white or black 
When the war's done? 

When war has ceased 

And we have peace, 

Shall all who noble marks have made 

Be cheered? and shall the parts they've played 

In bringing world democracy 

Be given place in history? 

When the war narrative is told 

Shall the world know the story whole. 

When war has ceased? 



62 Leisure Moments 

When war is done, 

And all come home, 

What will be said of girls and mothers 

Who gave the world such sons and brothers? 

When the world makes an estimate 

Of women who are good and great, 

Will all true women count the same, 

Regardless of their race or name. 

When war is done? 

When the war ends. 

And the soft winds 

Shall waft the patriotic strains 

Of those who'll sing the heroes' names — 

N'ames of the men who gave their lives 

To save the mothers, babes and wives; 

Will men and women of each race 

Honor such service with due grace, 

When the war ends ? 

When the war ends. 

When our arms win. 

Will those who've envied all these years, 

What the race did in former wars, 

Let fall the screen of enmity 

And view the facts with charity? 

Will they tell all of what was done 

At El Caney and San Juan 

When the war ends? 

After the war 

Scourge has passed o'er 

And champions of true liberty 

Are honored for their bravery. 

Will Crispus Attucks' name be read 

As one among the honored dead? 

Will Peter Salem's deed be brought 

Before the nations as it ought. 

After the war? 



Leisure Moments 63 

When tlie war ends, 
Can peaceful men 
Dwell safely in their native land, 
Uninjured by a violent hand? 
Shall life and liberty, so dear 
To human beings everywhere. 
Be guaranteed by all the might 
Behind the flag for which we fight, 
When the war ends? 

When the war's done, 

Must those who've won 

Be isolated from the polls 

And dealt as though they had no souls? 

Shall men who've never known retreat, 

Who've saved the nation from defeat, 

Be hated by a fellow-man. 

And told that this is not their land. 

When the war's done? 

When the war ends, 
When the war ends. 
Can this great nation be content 
To let go without punishment 
That mother of destructive tricks, 
So widely known as politics? 
Shall we condone the injuries 
Imposed as party policies. 
When the war ends? 

When the war ends. 

When the war ends 

And we come into peace again. 

What feelings shall our breasts contain? 

Must creatures whom the gods would bless 

Be victims of base littleness? 

Would not all men more happy be 

If from such spite we were more free. 

When the war ends? 



64 Leisure Moments 

When the war ends, 

Will not good men 

Boldly express their sentiments? 

And fearing not the consequence, 

Make good each opportunity 

To edify humanity? 

Shall Judge Lynch still retain his seat, 

The nation's statutes to defeat, 

When the war ends? 

After the war 
Plagues are past o'er, 
Shall helpless women be tied up 
And cut and shot with none to help? 
The God who frowned on Belgians 
Because they cut off Kaffirs' hands, 
Would not that God have us repent 
For murdering the innocent, 
After the war? 

When the war ends. 
When the war ends. 
Shall guilty culprits bear alone 
The penalties for what they've done? 
If social lines by some are crossed, 
Must peaceful parties pay the cost ? 
Shall we not then awake to know 
That men must reap just what they sow, 
When the war ends? 

When the war ends, 
When the war ends, 
Let man be just to fellow-man ; 
Let white and colored take a stand 
And scorn to disrepute the flag 
Or let the glorious colors drag. 
If such shall be our national creed 
We'll have democracy, indeed. 
When the war ends. 



Leisuee Moments 65 



"JOSH'S WIFE AND JOSH" GO FISHING 

Josh's wife, an unthankfii], peevisli, talkative old woman who, 
as the title of this production indicates, looks upon herself as 
first in everything, takes Josh, her husband, whom she regards 
as a m.ere adjunct, and goes fishing. Josh is an easy-going, say- 
nothing kind of a fellow who only laughs at his better half's 
worries occasionally but never dares to "talk back" at her. He 
is a picture of patience. 

The piece might be rendered with splendid effect by two 
characters, each acting the part indicated in the language, the 
woman doing the talking. 

You Josh, wake up ! the clock strikes four, 

It's time we were a-goin'; 
The fish don't sleep till day I'm sure, 

They stir on early mornin'. 

Get on your things now, jump around, 

Don't act so old and lazy; 
I could have gone half-way to town 

Since you've been playin' crazy. 

Don't make me cross before daylight, 

I want good luck this mornin' ; 
Old people say the fish don't bite 

While temper is a burnin'. 

So be good now, and keep me straight, 

Since that is what I aim for; 
Kow hurry up, don't make me late, 

Or you will be to blame, sir. 

Got your things on ? JSTow get my pipe, 

I'm bound to smoke a little ; 
I^ow bring a bowl of water — right 

"Warm water from the kettle. 



66 Leisure Moments 

Go get the bait and poles now, JosL., 
And everything that's needed; 

Don't ask me where — you had them last, 
Don't cause me to get fretted. 

N'ow, Joshua, it's half-past four, 

We must be out and going; 
'Now this is fine — pull to the door, 

Sakes ! how this wind is blowing. 

My, my ! this wind is from the west, 

Our luck will be just crackin' ; 
"Wind from the west, they bite the best," 
I hear their mouths a-smackin'. 

Say Josh, stop there, you've left that box, 
Of what were you a thinkin' ; 

]N"ow we'll be in a pretty fix 
With nothin' to put fish in. 

"Go back" — Hush Josh, of course you can't, 
You'd ruin your luck forever ; 

You'll make me have the nerve complaint 
Or kill me with brain fever. 

O ! dear me, how my poor head aches, 
^ My heart jumps like a rabbit ; 
If I contend with vour mistakes 
I'll get the morphine habit. 

Just go on now, we're losing time, 
We'll find some way to work it. 

Look out ! Josh, don't you see the worms 
A-crawlin' from the bucket? 

Lor' sakes ! half of 'em's on the ground ; 

I s'pose they're tired a waitin'. 
Whe'ew ! your big heel's on my thumb ! 

l!^ow ain't that aggravatin'? 



Leisure Moments 57 

Tve been as good as I could be, 

To keep my luck from spoilin' ; 
]^ow Josh, don't stand and grin at me, 

I beg you— please take warnin'. 

Ob ! dear me, Josb, look wbat a snake ! 

Upon my word, be's saucy; 
A moccasin, for tbe land's sake ! 

Josb, don't bis eyes look glossy? 

IN'ow tbere be goes— be's slipping off, 

Don't let bim pass tbese busbes ; 
I tbink be's lived bere long enougb 

Just kill bim — tbat's my wisbes. 

Now tbat's a sign tbere's fisb about ; 

''No snakes, no fisb," tbey tell me. 
I don't mind snakes if I find out 

Tbey're tbere before tbey strike me. 

Kow we are gettin' near tbe pond, 

Be careful to keep orders, 
For sure's you sbake and jar tbe ground 

Tbe fisb will seek new quarters. 

Rigbt easy now, untie tbe poles. 

And band me "Lucky Arcbie" ; 
I tbink rigbt from tbat old stump-bole 

I'll pull a big-moutbed percbie. 

Pass me tbe bait-cup ; look out now, 

Don't walk so beavy please, sir. 
I wonder wby my tbumb tbrobs so ? 

Your beel made a blood-blister. 

Josb, stick tbis bait-worm on my book 

My finger's in a fever. 
Look! did you see bow tbat busb sbook? 

I'll venture 'twas a 'gator. 



68 Leisure Moments 

All right now, "Archie," do your best. 

A-lia, I got a nibble ; 
It bites just like that grown red-breast 

I caugbt the first of April. 

Get ready, Josh, he bit again, 
You'll have to string him for me. 

Look out ! I'm 'f raid he'll break my cane. 
Lor', lor' ! that's such a pity. 

'Now that fish sure did use his brain, 
If not, then Josh, pray tell me 

How did he get that bait so clean, 
And miss the hook so nicely ? 

This hook has caught me ! Sakes alive, 

It's in below the beard ! 
Josh, run here with your pocket-knife 

And move it from my forehead. 

Don't cut like that now, man, just pick, 
My forehead's not raw cow-hide; 

Dash some cold water on me, quick 1 
I'm fainting now — all inside. 

There now, just pass me that bait-cup, 

I'll doctor up the worm 
And rub with asafoetida; 

That's the old-fashioned form. 

Now, perchie, take another bite. 

See there ! He's mine this call. 
Well, did you ever see the like ? 

He's got bait, hook and all. 

I^ow that's the way that perchie took 
To keep from being mine; 

He just turned in and stole the hook 
And left me with the line. 



Leisure Moments 69 

So now, for that, we'll go back home 

And leave the pesky rogues; 
You should have been in that new ground 

A movin' out the logs. 

So tired I don't know where to sit, 

Do please get me some water. 
One while it seemed I couldn't get 

One foot before the other. 

]^ow Josh, I know why luck was poor 

And why we had no profit ; 
I knew before we left this door 

We'd have a bad day of it. 

'Twas this : you stepped across my poles ; 

You made me lose my temper ; 
Then, too, the moon was some too old, 

The fish had the distemper. 

The moon will "full" at ten tonight. 

Just throw down all your sorrow • 
I'm tellin' what I know is right. 

The -fish will bite tomorrow. 



LESSONS FROM TIME 

Time, with a million weights, moves on 
And ne'er one moment loses; 

Man, with a tiny burden, groans 
And frets at his opposers. 

Time passes on and does not snarl 

]^or play retaliation; 
Man strikes back and would rival stars 

Or criticize creation. 

Eruptions, earthquakes, wars, and crimes 
Might have allayed time's progress, 

But all these Father Time outshines 
By passing them unnoticed. 



70 Leisure Moments 

Time, honored time — days, weeks, montlis, years, 

May we not learn the lesson 
Of duty -first, and leave our cares 

To an All- wise possession? 

Then will this life know less of pain 

And more of joys celestial; 
In others we'll find less to blame 

And more in self that's social. 



CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM 

Ah Patriotism! thou art bold; 
Thou fearest not for life nor soul. 
Thou freely layest down thine all, 
And marchest at thy country's call. 

Thou longest for a chance to go 
And crush thine ill-deserving foe; 
iN'or dost thou falter at the cost 
Of things once dear, now counted lost. 

Such love — such altruistic ire. 
All loyal citizens must admire; 
Down with the hyphenated brat, 
Who's neither on this side nor that. 

But Patriotism, thou, though brave. 
Wast ne'er designed men's souls to save; 
Thou cans't not hope alone to win 
In this world-war 'gainst self and sin. 

If thou woulds't have full victory 
Through life, death, and eternity, 
Prefix thy love for home and youth 
With love for Heaven and God and Truth. 



Leisuke Moments 71 



DO YOUR DUTY WHERE YOU ARE 

At home if you're imposed upon 

And given little care 
Don't whine and tell your neighbors 

That your home-folks are all queer; 
Just bite your lip and bear it, 

That's more honorable by far, 
'Twill give you less demerit; 

Do your duty where you are. 

If in your State you're called upon 

To do a patriot's bit. 
Don't say you're not a citizen 

And count yourself unfit ; 
Just rise above conditions 

Which would cause you to despair; 
Aim at the high positions, 

Do your duty where you are. 

If in your church you find yourself 

A victim of mistrust. 
And that you're shadowed constantly 

By persons no more just, 
Don't fret and boast of greatness 

But be faithful under fire ; 
In loving tender meekness 

Do your duty where you are. 

If your life work seems humble 

And your talent seems but small, 
Remember 'tis not size that counts 

But service — that is all. 
So work and do not murmur 

Till you're called to cross the bar; 
Shine in your own small corner, 

Do your duty where you are. 



72 Leisure Moments 



MORNING 

Morning, lovely morning! 

Tlie purest liour of day. 

The hour when nature's beauties 

Begin anew their duties; 

When birds and bees on wing 

Seek new supplies to bring, 

Porgetting former troubles on their way. 

Morning, innocent morning! 

Sweet infancy of day. 

The time when early light 

Dispels the former night ; 

When rays from rising sun 

Steal softly o'er the lawn 

To kiss the sparkling dewdrops all away. 

Morning, hopeful morning! 

The brightest of all hours. 

When past insults and heartaches 

Give place to better prospects ; 

When all yesterday's sorrows 

Are lost in bright tomorrows. 

Thus lining thorny paths with fragrant flowers. 

Morning, silent morning! 

Most thoughtful of all times. 

'Tis then the roar of madness 

Must wait for showers of gladness 

To fall upon the soul 

And make the sin-sick whole. 

And fill the life with strains of sweeter chimes. 



Leisure Moments 73 



EVENING 



(With plain people) 

Evening, golden evening! 

By sunset hour revealed; 

When the skies, no longer blue. 

Are robed in golden hue ; 

When transgressors should repent 

Of whatever wrongs were meant. 

Ere the record of the day's acts have been sealed. 

Evening, weary evening! 

Most feeble of all hours; 

When beasts of burden rest 

From exhaustion and distress; 

When man his task has done, 

And wends his way toward home 

To rest him by the glowing oak-wood fires. 

Evening, shadowy evening! 

Most solemn, most reserved; 

When the petted baby cries, 

And the nurse sings lullabies; 

When the light begins to fade. 

When men count the time they've made. 

And the cook prepares the evening meal to serve. 

Evening, star-lit evening! 

When day its eyes has closed ; 

When thoughtful folks reflect 

Upon what careless folks neglect; 

Then, like a clock unwound. 

Let their active minds run down 

And retire, to take a night of sweet repose. 



74 Leisure Moments 



TWO ARTISTS 

An artist at his canvas stood, 
With palette, hrush and paint ; 

And studied as an artist would, 
As calmly as a saint. 

He bade me watch him spread his thoughts 

Upon the canvas white. 
Asserting there could be no doubts 

He'd charm me with delight. 

With pencil-marks he then displayed 

Dim outlines of his work. 
Then paint and brush his will obeyed 

And softened every mark. 

There soon appeared a thorn-pierced brow, 
A sword-pierced side, complete; 

A blood-stained cross, a head, dropped low, 
And nail-pierced hands and feet. 

Watching in silence, there I stood ; 

Amazing was the sight. 
I looked until it seemed the blood 

Was running, fresh and bright. 

I turned to hide some falling tears 
That from my eyes would stray; 

But now a few brief passing years 
Have worn that scene away. 

Another artist I beheld 

As he his work performed; 
He bade me watch to see how well 

His paintings might be learned. 



Leisure Moments 75 

His palette was tlie Book of books, 

His pigments words of Truth; 
His tongue — tlie brush wbicli made the strokes — 

He'd learned to use in youth. 

His canvas, made of human minds, 

In easy reach was stretched; 
So he began with some outlines, 

Then skilfully retouched. 

His paintings showed one crucified 

And buried in the tomb; 
I saw it was for me he died; 

He suffered in my room. 

Watching in silence there I sat, 

Guilty, condemned, undone; 
Tears of distress my cheeks had wet 

Ere to the end he'd come. 

I said, "I will arise and go," 

Then to my Lord I turned ; 
And though these years have tried me so 

That work still stands unharmed. 



THE TITAN AND THE TOY 

The proud shipbuilders taxed their skill 
A mighty ocean craft to build ; 
A monster boat made strong and well. 
All former liners to excell. 

The finest architects were sought. 
The best materials were bought; 
And trusty workmen soon began 
To work out the gigantic plan. 



76 Leisure Moments 

Millions of dollars were required, 
Months at skilled labor had expired ; 
And then the mansion was complete 
And ready to defy defeat. 

She was the largest in the world ; 
Her banners to the breeze unfurled 
Would wave the news from shore to shore 
That man would fear the deep no more. 

With power like Titan she could bear 
Her cargo through in storm or clear; 
Though winds and waves their furies link, 
'No matter what, she could not sink. 

So she was christened for her strength — 
Titanic; and her breadth and length 
Exceeded all foregone extremes : 
She was the seaman's lifelong dreams. 

Fitted for comfort, sport and fun, 
She ventured her initial run ; 
Calmly she glided off to be 
The proudest liner on the sea. 

Her passengers in number rose 
Above two thousand souls, composed 
Of folks of humbler walks and aims. 
And folks of honor, wealth, and fame. 

These merry lives and buoyant hearts 
Were not aware when they left port 
That fate so soon would end their joy 
And that their Titan was a toy. 

A tiny rain-drop must have sought 
And found this project in man's thought ; 
Then hied away to view the ship 
When she sailed on her maiden trip. 



Leistjee Moments 77 

This rain-drop started out one day, 
Tiien millions joined it on its way 
To Lear this product of man's power 
A greeting from the morning shower. 

The north winds whispered some advice 
Which turned the raindrops into ice; 
And then they lingered in a mass 
To see the ocean palace pass. 

The sea was smooth, the night was clear, 
^Nothing in nature was aware; 
The stars in silvery mantles dressed 
Alone looked down to see the test. 

The iceherg did not wait in vain. 
For soon the mighty steamer came 
Plowing her way at rapid speed, 
Giving the icy mass no heed. 

Hushing upon it with a bound, 
She made a self-inflicted wound 
Which all her strength could not endure. 
Which men and millions could not cure. 

The wireless signal S. 0. S., 
The plaintive cries of souls distressed. 
Flashed the sad news the wide world over 
That the Titanic was no more. 



78 Leisure Moments 



A POST-CARD BLUNDER 

It was mid-sumnier season, 
When farmer Brown one day 

Decided lie had reason 
To visit friends away. 

He called on farmer Jackson, 
Made known to him his plans 

To see the western section 
Of Carolina's lands. 

"I too am now at leisure," 
Was Jackson's pert reply; 

"And so we'll have some pleasure 
In the west then — you and I." 

Their plans were soon completed. 
The day appointed came ; 

The two were snugly seated 
On an early westbound train. 

Jackson and Brown were fathers 
And husbands, kind and true ; 

While gone they met with others 
But thought as husbands do — 

Of home, loved ones and duty; 

These lingered in their minds. 
Souvenirs and cards of beauty 

Were mailed to friends behind. 

I^ow Father Brown was pious, 

A leader in his church; 
Some close friends were suspicious 

That he'd be sent to preach. 



Leisure Moments 79 

His words, always selected, 

His language, always chaste; 
When he talked folks expected 

Sayings of truth and grace. 

While in a western village 

Brown to himself did say: 
I'll drop a post-card message 

Home to my wife today. 

Into a store directly 

He walked with steps polite, 
And bought a post card quickly 

And then sat down to write. 

He wrote, "Dear Wife : I'm happy, 

And hope you are the same ; 
I send regards to Harry 

And Annabel and Mayme.'^ 

He then addressed, corrected, 

And mailed it with much pride; 
But never once attempted 

To see the printed side. 

Early the next day morning 

Brown's wife received a card; 
Kind words one side adorning. 

Expressing best regards. 

She read, then turned it over 

And cried, "O, how absurd! 
Did farmer Brown, I wonder. 

Send me this mean curse word?" 

She read, and turned, and read it 

Till she was much confused ; 
Said she, "What bold discredit 

That Brown this card should use. 



80 Leisure Moments 

"Would one with sucli a motive 
And such an honest face 

Spoil such a lovely missive 
With this word of disgrace?" 

Just then her household duties 
Reclaimed her serious thought, 

And she forgot the worries 

The two-faced card had brought. 

One day a long while after 
Brown was again at home, 

And Jones, a friendly neighbor, 
To visit him had come. 

While waiting in the parlor 
Jones saw upon the wall 

'Mong cards of many colors 
One different from all. 

Its bright red background shadowed 
Four letters, white and plain; 

The first was D, then followed 
An A, then M, then JST. 

Jones knew none there could read it 
And not be put to shame; 

None there had formed the habit — 
The Browns had no such fame. 

So he could not make certain 
Just what the matter meant; 

He called and asked the children 
Who such a card had sent. 

"It came from Pa," they shouted, 
When he was in the west; 

"Go call him," Jones demanded, 
"And let him tell the rest." 



Leisure Moments 81 

When Brother Brown responded, 

Jones to the wall drew near 
And said, ^'Friend Brown, I wondered 

Who could have sent this here ?" 

"Children, where'd this thing come from?" 

Brown queried with disgust; 
"Why that's a card you sent home," 

They said, "While you w^ere west." 

"Ko-sir-ree," Brown retorted; 

"JSTot I; it cannot be 
That I to this resorted. 

Whose hand-write? Let me see!" 

BrQwn took it, looked it over, 

The ugly sentence scanned, 
But only to discover 

'Twas signed by his own hand. 

He stood still for a moment 

A picture of surprise. 
Then with a sudden movement, 

As if he'd just grown wise. 

He murmured "Sure, I wrote it, 

And signed it Avith much pride, 
But thought not when I bought it 

To see the printed side." 

Then there was hearty laughter 

At Brother Brown's expense, 
Because he'd been the father 

Of such an odd offense. 

Although he was respected 

And evil always spurned, 
He'd hitherto neglected 

One simple fact to learn. 

'Twas this : Where'er you wander, 

In all creation wide, 
Be certain to remember 

All matters have two sides. 



82 Leisure Moments 



ILL WINDS MAY BLOW SOME GOOD 

War is a ruthless evil, 

A reign of grief and pain ; 
A merciless upheaval 

Of which we all complain. 

We charge the heads of nations 

With being quite unwise, 
And say the situation 

Was by them ill-advised. 

'Tis true we loath such horrors, 

We'd end them if we could ; 
But while ill-winds blow sorrows 

They also blow some good. 

We thought we were elected 

With enterprise and school; 
Thus thinking, some neglected 

To keep the Golden Rule. 

We soon a modern Babel 

And tower would have built, 
"For sure," said we, "we're able," 

JSTe'er adding, "If Thou wilt." 

We rode the buzzing auto 

O'er land from shore to shore, 

And then, in humming aero, 
We flew the ocean o'er. 

We built the huge Titanic, 

And thought we'd tame the seas, 

And ride the fierce Atlantic 

Through storm or calm with ease. 



Leisure Moments 83 

'Twas on her maiden venture 

On waters smooth she sailed 
As if defying nature, 

When suddenly she failed. 

Because an iceberg touched her 

She hung her head in shame, 
And sank in ISTorth Sea water 

I^ever to rise again. 

Then while the world stood weeping 

A grim war-cloud arose ; 
Onward the storm kept sweeping 

Till now we're in its throes. 

This storm must prove most baleful 

To many now alive; 
Still 'twill bring lessons helpful 

To those who may survive. 

It teaches conservation 

Of food and brawn and health, 
And thus prepares the nation 

For better use of wealth. 

For decades we have wasted 

At such a costly rate, 
Two persons might have feasted 

On what one drank and ate. 

Garments of finer rating 

Were worn in field and wood. 
Where less expensive making 

Would have been quite as good. 

But now we face conditions 

Which force us to advise 
Folks of all walks and stations 

How to economize. 



84 Leisure Moments 

Great questions by the classes 
Were analyzed and pushed 

Regardless of the masses, 

JN^o matter what they wished. 

But now all hands are needed, 
The common foe to hit; 

All to the call have heeded, 
And each must do a bit. 

Who knows what good may follow 
When all this strife is done; 

What this bloodshed may hallow. 
Or who may be at one ? 

Perhaps we'll be together 
More firmly than before, 

And recognize each other 
As men, the whole world o'er. 

We'll know that God is Father, 
Then prejudice must cease 

And all men will be brothers. 
Till then there'll be no peace. 



CUPID 



I have a loved one, kind and true. 
And no one knows save "I and you" 
What blissful moments and how sweet 
Those moments when we chance to meet. 

How like a season of repose 
Doth pass a day ; how soon it goes 
When we each other can embrace 
And tell love stories face to face. 



Leisure Moments 85 

There is just one thing we regret, 
And one thing only when we've met, 
And that is this : it makes us sigh 
To think that we must say good-bye. 

Now tell me, since I did not say, 
Who is my loved one? Speak, I pray. 
All's well; you need not speak; I see. 
Your eyes have softly said "It's me." 



THE MOCKING-BIRD'S SECRET 

Some think it's quite a mystery 

How one can face a crowd 

And summons the ability 

To whistle long and loud. 

All through the same small throat. 

They wonder where the force comes from 

And how one holds up all alone 

To whistle three times through a tune 

And never miss a note. 

Some can't see how one manages 

To hold the lips intact. 

And keep from laughing as one must 

While all eyes watch the act. 

Each failure to observe ; 

For should one smile the slightest bit 

'Twould mean the whistler must quit, 

And thus reluctantly admit 

That he had lost his nerve. 

'Now if this secret you would find. 
Just where one gets the breath 
To whistle out line after line. 
All coming from beneath 
One and the same small throat, 
I'll tell one whom you should see; 
I'm sure he's good authority 
For that's his business day by day, 
Not does he lose a note. 



86 Leisuke Moments 

He's fifing out his merry tune 
From morning until night 
Throughout the longest day in June, 
'JSTeath cloud or sunshine bright, 
Such notes you've never heard. 
He moves about on lively wing, 
All nature hears his music ring, 
IsTor does he blush at anything — 
He's Mister Mocking-bird. 



ATTENTION! COLORED SOLDIER 

Attention ! Colored Soldier, 

A word I wish to say; 
We've watched with pride your record. 

Since you have been away. 

You crossed the broad Atlantic, 
And walked through fire in France ; 

Your blood you offered freely, 
To give the world a chance. 

'Twas just as we expected, 
Of our American throng; 

We prayed the God of Joshua, 
To protect and keep you strong. 

The service you have rendered, 

Makes brilliant history ; 
Your valor will be cherished, 

While men love liberty. 

Some said you'd be disloyal. 
And brutish as the Hun; 

If you should don the colors. 
And train to use the gun. 



Leisuee Moments 87 

All such will watcli you keenly, 

Your every action weigli ; 
And should you prove unthoughtful, 
A dear price we may pay. 

They'll magnify your failures, 

Wherever you may go ; 
And at your first misdoing, 

They'll say, "I told you so." 

We're facing new conditions. 

Which must be met with care; 
'Tis true the war has ended, 

Yet, still we're under fire. 



WHEN COLORED PEOPLE SING 

When a colored congregation 

Sings an old-time favorite song, 
If the music is familiar 

And the voices clear and strong, 
'Tis a pleasure to be present. 

To enjoy a gracious part 
Of the soul-uniting power 

Which is felt in every heart. 

First the minister steps forward 

And a hymn begins to read ; 
Then the man who leads the singing 

Clears his throat and thus proceeds : 
"Come thou Fount of every blessing, 

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace," 
And some sign of true devotion 

May be seen on every face. 



88 Leisure Moments 

Many voices lift the metre, 

With a harmony sublime; 
ISTumerous tongues repeat the stanza, 

Making one melodious chime. 
Care-worn lives throw off their burdens, 

Trembling saints dismiss their fears; 
Fainting pilgrims take fresh courage 

As the strains delight their ears. 

Then they sing with tongue and s]3irit — 

"Hither by Thy help I've come ; 
And I hope by Thy good pleasure 

Safely to arrive at home." 
And some power seems to lift you 

Gently upward toward the skies; 
Then your soul begins a-drinking 

From the stream that never dries. 

Over in the amen corner 

Brother Johnson sits in style, 
As becomes an aged member. 

Singing bravely all the while. 
Till the thought of past afflictions 

Overcomes his sense of pride; 
Then, impelled by holy reverence — 

"Yes, thank God! Amen!" he cried. 

Deacon Adams then remembers 

What sore trials he has had. 
So he bows his head and whisj^ers : 

"Hitherto the Lord has led." 
Then that entire amen corner 

Turns into a spring of joy. 
And all grasp the deeper meaning 

Of the words their tongues employ. 

Sister Elsie sings soprano. 

And her voice the lonely cheers. 

Till the unseen power moves her. 
Then her eyes o'erflow with tears. 



Leisure Moments 89 

"Guide me, O thou great Jeliovali, 

Pilgrim througli this barren land," 
Are the words which so impress her 

That she needs the guiding hand. 

"I am weak but Thou art mighty" 

Are the words the preacher reads; 
When his voice grows faint and husky, 

Then the whole assembly pleads — 
'^hen I cross the verge of Jordan, 

Bid my anxious fears subside." 
I^ow emotion is prevailing, 

Every soul's electrified. 

But they sing another number 

In which all the people join ; 
Saints and sinners feel the current. 

Many hearts with fervor burn. 
"Come to Jesus, come to Jesus," 

Are the earnest words they say; 
And a sinner cries, "I'm guilty ! 

Lord, forgive my sins, I pray." 

"Only trust him, only trust him" 

Is the chorus they now raise; 
While some sing the love of Jesus 

Others leap and shout his praise. 
"Hallelujah ! Jesus saves me !" 

Some one suddenly exclaims ; 
In his steps I mean to follow 

Though they lead through floods and flames. 

Thus beginning, one has started 

"In the way our fathers trod" ; 
Lending full vent to his feelings. 

Walking, leaping, praising God. 
Yes, there must be joy in heaven, 

For sweet echoes seem to ring 
From the voice of very angels 

When the colored people sing. 



90 Leisure Moments 



'CAUSE MY EDWIN'S COIN' TO WAR 

It's just no use in sayin' now that you don't mean to do, 

You might as well to change your mind and set to work for true, 

'Cause my son Edwin's got some mail that's right from Uncle 

Sam; 
It says, "For sure the colored boys must help to save the land." 

You ought to know my feelin's when I heard that letter read, 
'Twas almost just the same as if they'd said my child was dead. 
My heart began a-thumpin' and my blood got thick and cold. 
So shocked were my emotions till they wouldn't be controlled. 

I never was like some folks — always ready for a cry ; 
Of course I had my sorrows, but my eyes always kept dry. 
This time I couldn't help it, for 'twas more than I could bear; 
I boo-hooed loud enough for all the folks around to hear. 

You know I'm mighty funny when it comes down to my kin; 
The way I love my Edwin some friends tell me it's a sin. 
I never thought of weepin', though my neighbors' sons had gone, 
Until I got the news that Uncle Sam had called my own. 

Of course I meant one time to have no part in this world-fight ; 
I didn't start the trouble and I never thought it right 
For people who are honest and believe in totin' fair 
To be so quick to take up arms and run off to the war. 

Some people who know Edwin is no boy to dodge and fear 
Have begged him for the longest just to up and volunteer ; 
And I expect he would have crossed the waters long ago 
Only he knew to go would grieve his poor old mother so. 

But now my only Edwin after all must join the ranks. 
At first 'twas mighty painful, but I s'pose I should give thanks 
For such a boy who's brave enough to face the country's fo 
To rally to the stars and stripes where'er they may go. 



Leisuee Moments 91 

So Edwin, come liere honey, 'cause you're mother's only child; 
I hate for you to leave me with that pretty boyish smile ; 
But maybe 'twont be long before you'll come back home again, 
So go on and be loyal to the right and you will win. 

I have said that I wouldn't spend a penny in this fight. 
But since my Edwin's goin' I'll do anything that's right ; 
I'll be a Red Cross worker or I'll buy some savings stamps : 
Just anything I can to help the fellows at the camps. 

So fix and go 'long, Edwin, to the battle, and be strong ; 
Your mother'll be a thinkin' and a prayin' all day long. 
And when her heart gets heavy she'll remember that her boy 
Delights to do his duty, and that thought will give her joy. 



TRUE GREATNESS 

The greatness of the truly great, 

Ranks not 'mong stars alone; 
'Tis not confined to potentate, 

^or king on royal throne; 
It may be found beneath those heights, 

By lofty birth obtained ; 
Gleaming like silent lower lights. 

In characters less famed. 

The greatness of the truly great, 

Does not consist of gold; 
'Tis measured not in hundred weight's. 

That may be bought and sold ; 
It lies in self -forgetful acts, 

Which flow from hearts of love ; 
In soul enlargement which attracts 

The spirits from above. 

The greatness of the truly great. 

Is often passed unseen ; 
Its sign does not interrogate 

The arrogant and mean; 
Who would detect true greatness must 

Themselves possess the prize; 
Else noble beings in the dust. 

Are lost to blinded eyes. 



92 Leisure Moments 



YESTERDAYS, TODAYS, AND TOMORROWS 

Yesterdays, all behind us, 

Serve only to remind us 

Of victories we've won, 

Of duties left undone ; 

Wlio lingers long upon them, 

Must surely wane among, them ; 

A useless life to pass. 

In blind unconsciousness. 

Todays are always with us. 
Each a new chance to give us ; 
One at a time well lived. 
Is verily wealth received. 
Who would live in the present. 
Must not cling t'o the pleasant 
Memories of yesterday; 
But master each today. 

Tomorrows, all before us, 
To constantly allure us 
On towards some fancied height. 
On which we would alight. 
Who waits to climb tomorrow 
Must wake ere long to sorrow; 
And learn, amid the gloom, 
Tomorrows do not come. 

Who would attain the height, 
Which vision brings to sight, 
Forget the things of yore. 
Expect the things before ; 
Todays alone must serve us, 
To point who may observe us 
To peaks yet unattained — 
To distances unclaimed. 



SEVEN POEMS SUITABLE FOR HYMNS 



THE JOY OF WORSHIP 

S. M. 

How joyful is the place 
Where servants of the Lord 

Declare the wonders of his grace — 
The power of his word. 

How glorious the sound, 
The melodies, how sweet, 

Where love and unity abound 
His praises to repeat. 

How heavenly the scene 

When saints in reverence kneel 
Before the Lord- Almighty King, 

And there their wants reveal. 

With souls so richly blest, 
May we but claim a part ; 

May peace prevail in every breast 
And flow from heart to heart. 



94 Leisure Moments 



THE DAY OF REST 

C. M. 

The Sabbath is the day of rest, 
From earthly care and toil ; 

A day that's given man to dress 
And beautify the soul. 

A day to turn our thoughts within, 

Our records to inspect ; 
To search our hearts for secret sins, 

Which frequently beset. 

A day to soar above and take 
Fresh visions of our Lord; 

Of Him a deeper knowledge seek, 
And feast upon his word. 

May we the service of this day 
More faithfully perform; 

Its sacred rules with joy obey, 
And glory in its charms. 



Leistjee Moments 95 



ISTo. 3 

THE KINGDOM OF GRACE 

Matt. 13 :44. 
C. M. 

Thy kingdom, like a treasure Md 

Beneath the gems of earth, 
Is sought by one who, poor indeed, 

Desires a richer birth. 

'No price to me would seem too great 

Could I obtain the prize; 
I'd give my all for Jesus' sake, 

A willing sacrifice. 

The fields of clay, though full of wealth 

For Adam's needy race. 
Cannot bestow thy kingdom's health — 

Thy kingdom. Lord, of grace. 

When I this mine of wealth have found 
Mine eyes shall cease these tears, 

And joy, deep joy, shall then abound. 
And peace shall banish fears. 

The world my joy shall never know, 

But while I see thy face 
I'll pray "Thy kingdom come" below — 

The kingdom of thy grace. 



96 Leisure Moments 

^"0. 4 
THE HEAVENS DECLARE THY GLORY 

Psa. 19. 
L. M. 

Tlie heavens thy glory, Lord, display ; 

The firmament thy work declares; 
And all who seek thy presence may 

Behold, outlined, thy features fair. 

Day after day we hear thy voice, 
In majesty thine accents fall ; 

And all thy creatures may rejoice 
In thee, Great King and Lord of all. 

Thy knowledge. Lord, creation tells 
In characters of love supreme ; 

Sun, Moon, and stars their anthems swell. 
To sing the greatness of thy name. 

With holiness thy statutes pure 
Doth all thy people gently warn; 

They make their own destruction sure 
Who do not to thy laws conform. 

Thine errors, were they e'er so great 
JSTo finite being could understand, 

Angels nor men need issues take 

At what is wrought with thine own hand. 

Then, Lord in fervent prayer we come ; 

May we in thought and word be clean. 
We plead the merits of thy Son — 

Our Lord, our Prophet, Priest and King. 



Leisure Moments 9.7 



No. 5 

WHAT ARE THESE? 

Eev. 7 :6-14. 

7s 

"What are these'^ whicK I behold, 
Gathered like an army bold; 
Palms of victory in their hands 
As before the throne they stand. 

"What are these? — all nations here 
At the throne of God appear : 
Tongues and kindreds of all lands 
On one common area stand. 

"What are these" in white arrayed? 
Eobes of purest fabric made ; 
Shouts of praise the heavens rend : 
Angels cry, "Amen! Amen!' 



f" 



These are they v^hoVe washed their robes 
In the fount of Jesus' blood. 
All their tribulations past. 
They are safe in heaven at last. 



98 Leisure Moments 



]^o. 6 

THE SABBATH 

L. M. 

The day of rest — the Sabbath day, 
When man from earthly haunts may stray 
And soar away to fields above, 
There to behold a Saviour's love. 

What pleasant hours we there may spend. 
Taught at the feet of such a friend. 
Our weary souls on him we lay. 
And bless the glorious Sabbath day. 

How charming are the words we hear. 
Which fall like manna, pure and clear; 
When to thy temple we resort, 
And hear thy servants truth impart. 

The bright Shechinah shines around 
Where'er the Sabbath's gospel sounds ; 
And men and angels praises blend 
Of Him who keeps us to the end. 

So when our weekly tasks are done 
And we are to the Lord's day come. 
We'll lift to him a joyful lay 
And bless the holy Sabbath day. 



Leisure Moments 



99 



No. 7 

THE EVENING OF LIFE 

L. M. 

When life's evening hour has come, 
And the day for work is done, 
What the summon man must hear 
Ere he joarts with kindred dear? 

When these anxious hours shall cease, 
And we are from time released, 
Shall we move with rapture blest 
Or with misery sore distressed? 

When our earthly sun is set, 
When the last conflict is met, 
When the pendulum of life 
Ceases, weary of its strife, 

When we pass to realms untried. 
Lonely, footsore, lame and tired, 
May we find a calm repose 
As life's day its light shall close. 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO SUBJECTS 



Page 
Acknowledgments g 

Alone 34 

A Neglected Soul 56 

A Post Card Blunder 78 

Attention ! Colored Soldier 86 

Cause My Edwin's Goin' to War 90 

Children's Day , 35 

Christian Patriotism 70 

Cupid 84 

Do Your Duty Where You Are 71 

Evening Y3 

Faith and Reason 32 

For Morning Meditation 5 

Former Times 4g 

"Honest Abram" Wakes Up 20 

How Carl Jingo Told His Age 53 

111 Winds May Blow Some Good 82 

"Josh's Wife an' Josh" Go Fishing * . 65 

Labor r r 

Lingering Winter 43 

Lessons From Time 69 

Life " ■ * ■ * ^^ 

Musings of An Orphan Child 51 

Morning ^2 

Opening the Autumn School 58 

Preface « 

Premature Promises 42 

Promises 00 

Religious Worship g 

The Prerequisite to Christian Baptism ' . 15 

The Sabbath " ' gg 

The Titan and the Toy 75 

True Greatness ^^ 

The Day jf Rest 94 

The Joy of Worship ' ^3 

The Kingdom of Grace .* . . ' 95 



102 Leisure Moments 

Page 

The Heavens Declare Thy Glory 96 

The Evening of Life 99 

The Mocking Bird's Secret 85 

The Village Wedding 39 

The Corn Shucking 48 

The Birth of Christ 44 

Two Artists 74 

"What Are These?" 97 

"Whar is Dat Ticket?" 36 

What is Peace?" 57 

Wisdom 45 

When Colored People Sing 87 

War Time Quiz 60 

Yesterdays, Todays and Tomorrows 92 

HYMNS 

Index of First Lines Page. No. 

How joyful is the place 93 1 

The Sabbath is the day of rest 94 2 

Thy kingdom like a treasure hid 95 3 

The Heavens Thy glory, Lord, display 96 4 

"What are these"— which I behold 97 5 

The day of rest— the Sabbath day 98 6 

When life's evening hour has come 99 7 



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